The Kavanagh College sports prefect started playing football in 2006, and less than two years later he was competing in the Milk Cup in Ireland with the Otago Youth Development Squad against the likes of the Manchester United Youth team.
‘‘Lining up against ManUnited Youth and performing the haka to them - you can't go any better than that. I was so proud to be a Kiwi that day.''
Steven says he had been a long-time rugby player.
But a couple of injuries prompted him to take a defence position in ‘‘the beautiful game''.
Steven is a quick learner in class as well - particularly in mathematics.
He was in the top 2% in the Australasian Mathematics Competition in 2003 and 2005.
He was also first in class in several subjects in 2007 and 2008.
With his high level of academic success, Steven says choosing a career path is one of his greatest challenges.
He is passionate about, and capable of success in a career as an architect or a physicist.
‘‘It's a challenge trying to choose between the two,'' he says. ‘‘I don't want to train for years and then find I don't enjoy the work at the end of it.
‘‘It's one of those really important choices in life.'' One thing he is certain of is that the choice will have to be made slowly and carefully.
Achievements: Sports prefect (2009); peer support leader (2009); Kavanagh College 1st XI football (2006-09); Otago 16th grade football team (2007); Otago Youth Development Squad (2008); Sports Blues (2007 and 2008); St Francis Xavier School miniball coach; 1st in class (2007 and 2008); High Distinction Australasian Mathematics Competition (2003 and 2005).
Role model: Football coach Neil Mackenzie. ‘‘He's got skills and he knows how to pass them on.''
Hopes for the future: To study architecture in Wellington or physics at the University of Otago.