DAPHNE, Alabama — Bayside’s Gaines Minton signed to play soccer for the Fighting Scots of Gordon College near Boston, Mass., beginning this fall.

A three-time team captain, Minton led the Admirals in scoring as a junior and lettered for the Bayside varsity beginning with his freshman year and logged meaningful varsity minutes since middle school at a variety of positions. Most recently as a strong wing or middle forward.

“Gaines has been a part of our program for six years now and we will miss him very much indeed on and off the field,” said Bayside head coach Jamie Ferguson. “It has flown by and it’s always difficult to say good-bye to such a fine young man, but we’re just part of his journey. He is certainly leaving Bayside a better place than when he got here. He’s a terrific leader on and off the field and has been a dangerous winger for our opponents and could be a very good forward in college. But his coach there will have the luxury of being able to put him just about anywhere on the field and get quality play resulting from Gaines. He always gives 100 percent all the time. Very intelligent student as well and uses that and his athletic skill on the field very effectively. He simply has many, many assets. But I think his best is really his selflessness. He really is a team player from start to finish.”

The son of Lyle and Robin Minton, he plans to study physics and pursue an advanced post-graduate engineering and/or architectural-design degree.

“I’m excited about playing in college but also just college itself as well,” Minton said. “I considered some other colleges that showed some interest in me playing for them. Rhodes, and I was initially recruited by Birmingham Southern, and it was kind of a close decision.

“But Gordon really grew on me and finally I was sure that it would be the right place for me. Especially after I saw the kind of close team-bonding that they have there. It kind of reminds me of Bayside in that respect and the coach reminds me of Jamie, so it wasn’t too hard to decide. So I’m looking forward to it.”

Gordon coach Derek Potteiger posted this on the school website:

“Gaines is a natural leader and I wanted him to be a part of this team from the first time that we met. He is a quick, dynamic winger on the field and off the field a genuine and selfless teammate. I am hoping for big things from Gaines this fall and throughout his four years here at Gordon.”