Very rarely do players in their first year come in and put the entire team on their backs.

But redshirt freshman forward Nazmi Albadawi has proven to be a game-changer for the men’s soccer program under first-year coach Kelly Findley and has put on staggering performances that have made him a star for the Wolfpack faithful.

A 2010 graduate from Athens Drive High School and a member of the ’91 Triangle United Club where he was a part of the team that won three-straight regional championships, Albadawi has carried on his fine form at N.C. State. After 17 games, he finds himself leading the goals and points category and has more than double the points than the second highest player.

Findley said he has been impressed with the development shown by Albadawi ever since he has taken over as coach.

“I think what Nazmi has done is that he has made himself into a very good athlete, I think he has gotten more fit, he is more focused. I think now he is really focused on trying to do things well and that’s been the big difference,” Findley said.  ”Nazmi has always been a skillful guy and very talented but I think his hard work off the field to get himself fit enough to now impact the game has been what’s been the big difference so that’s what the most I have pleased with.”

Findley emphasized the importance of being a good teammate first and then a good player and felt that’s something that made Albadawi special.

“[Nazmi] is a great teammate, the guys like him,” Findley said. “He cares about his teammates, he works hard off the field, and he is committed to the guys around him. When he scores, everybody celebrates not only because it is a goal for our team but also him because they all know he works incredibly hard for what he gets.”

Albadawi, currently tied second in the ACC for both goals and points scored, admitted he was still unsatisfied with his performance and felt he could have done much better to help the team.

“It feels good to lead the team in scoring and points but its kind of frustrating too, because there have been a lot of chances that I could have put away,” Albadawi said.

“I am still not satisfied, there were so many other goals I could have scored to help the team win.  I started scoring more towards the end of the season but I wish I had started earlier.”

Albadawi, who was named the ACC Player of the Week for his game winners against Georgia Southern and Virginia Tech, admitted teams were putting more pressure on him but it was something he thrived upon.

“I have noticed teams are starting to put a little more pressure on me and watching me more,” Albadawi said. “I love playing against something tough, I like having that pressure on me but sometimes it’s frustrating ,but in the end I like it better because it makes me perform that much better and lets me enjoy the game more.”

Albadawi who is just in his first year of eligibility at N.C. State admitted there was a lot he wanted to achieve both for the team and personally in the forthcoming years.

“From the team’s point of view I would really like to reach the Final Four of the NCAA and win the ACC championship,” Albadawi said. “On a personal level to try and become one of the best players in the ACC if I can and help the team as much as I can.”

Sophomore forward Nader Jaibat, who has known Albadawi since they both were 10, claimed he was not just a great player but also a great friend.

“He is tricky with the ball, he’s a good passer and finishes very well so it’s always good playing with him,” Jaibat said. “He is always down to earth and is always a fun guy to be around with. He doesn’t really stress about a lot of things and he is my best friend.

“He is always there for you.”