From the very first time Key West High boys soccer coach Marc Pierre watched Nick Criss step on the pitch, the Conchs coach said he just knew the four-year varsity starter was going to be special.

“I knew he was definitely going to be someone who was going to be a major impact for the next four years,” said Pierre. “Right from the beginning he was a key piece and somebody who was recognized for the potential he had and we wanted to see him evolve.”

jwcooke@keysnews.com