SARATOGA SPRINGS — Senior midfielder for the Saratoga Central Catholic (SCC) varsity soccer team Dante Marin values the comradery and support that he’s developed through athletics.
Marin began playing both soccer and baseball when he was five years old. Both activities were easy to get into as his older siblings and cousins were young athletes themselves. His older cousin is also a person who continues to inspire Marin throughout his years as an athlete.
“He played soccer growing up and I just kind of watched him playing soccer and played along with him," said Marin.
Soccer is his favorite sport between the two as soccer gives him a chance to continuously move – running towards a ball to make a play is his favorite aspect of any sport.
Along with playing both baseball and soccer for his high school, Marin also plays center defense for a soccer club team, New York Elite. Being both a student athlete, and currently applying to colleges creates a busy schedule for Marin.
"It's pretty hard (balancing his activities), but mostly it's just time management. Any free time I’ve got is mostly consisted of work or studying or just getting what needs to be done before I do anything else,” said Marin.
When Marin does have some free time, he spends it with the friends that he’s made throughout the years from his athletic teams.
"I usually hang with friends either from the soccer team or outside the soccer team. In the summertime we usually swim - basic stuff like that," said Marin.
On the SCC team, Marin is a co-captain who does his best to support the players on his team, and lead by example. His efforts go towards making sure everyone is in high spirits, staying focused and are encouraged to get back up after a fall.
Just as Marin supports his teammates, his family supports him just the same – both on and off the field.
“They're always pushing me to go practice and pushing me to keep on doing better. I'd say they're my biggest support," said Marin.
Marin hopes to play soccer at a Division I college in the Capital Region; that way, his family will still be able to show up at his games.
