ST. PETERSBURG , Fla. — Darren Moss knows how to put on a show.

He’s become a standout for Gibbs High School's boys soccer in his first season. Moss is only a freshman, but he’s already set a school record by scoring four goals in a single game.


What You Need To Know

  • Freshman Darren Moss has set a school record for Gibbs High School, scoring four goals in a game. 

  • Moss is the captain of the school's boys soccer team and has taken the leadership role in stride 

  • Moss is also an aspiring actor. He’s a Pinellas County Center for the Arts student, and theater is his major area of study.

  • Moss says he hopes to pursue acting professionally 

Head Coach Steven Parmenter said Moss' performance on the field speaks for itself.

“Unbelievable, and something I wasn’t expecting," Parmenter said. "When I first met Darren, I knew that he had the skills in him, he had the leadership, his energy that he brings to the team is basically what rewarded him to break that school record. “

But the soccer pitch isn’t his only stage — Moss is also an aspiring actor. He’s a Pinellas County Center for the Arts student, and theater is his major area of study.

The curriculum is modeled after college arts conservatory programs, and Moss said his soccer experience has given him something that pays dividends in performing art

“Confidence mostly, because when I’m performing good on the field, I know I can perform good on the stage,” said Moss, who plays multiple positions in soccer. “I like scoring goals, I also like switching my positions around so I play all."

He said he enjoys the same challenge on the stage, embracing different roles.

“When I’m learning new characters, I also involve myself with it," he said. "So you kind of have their personality and your personality, so you can make your own character and go full out with it."

As a freshman, Moss has lofty goals in both of his passions: He’s already a soccer captain who sets an example with his work ethic and leadership.

At times, he’s more like an assistant coach.

“Ironically, he’s pulled me to the side, and asked me, ‘Hey, you know what? I think we should try to implement this into our drills or what not because it’s going to help with our footwork,’ or ‘Let’s try out this drill for our defensive tactics,’ and I give him the opportunity to lead the team," Parmenter said.

He’s also a team motivator — Moss gives speeches before every game, something he says acting has helped him feel more comfortable with.