While many sports injuries lead to the end of a player’s season, senior soccer player Redion Neritani is determined to not let this setback stop him from playing his final year. Neritani fractured his foot during a game, removing him from all games and practices. However, he is motivated to make a strong return.
“I haven’t played soccer in a few weeks because I fractured my foot, but I am still continuing to train to be better for when I come back,” Neritani said with a frown.
In order to maintain his strength and skill while being injured, he takes the time out of his day to work on his craft and continue getting better. Nothing motivates him more than the feeling of getting stronger and maintaining his recovery.
“Ball control, first touch things to improve my accuracy… makes me more consistent and accurate while playing,” Neritani said.
Neritani uses his optimism and work ethic to make a faster return. Even when being faced with such an extreme challenge, he has remained positive and has not let this setback determine the outcome of his soccer career.
“I think of it in a way that once I overcome my problems, I will learn from them and make adjustments,” Neritani said with a grin.
Senior and teammate Nathaniel Gulden sees him as a motivator and leader on the field. Gulden has also had a major impact on the soccer team’s success and has played with Neritani for the past two years on varsity.
“Redion is a hard worker on and off the field and is a real chance creator. Redion motivates everyone on the field to give 100% and lifts people when they are having a rough game,” Gulden said.
Neritani has had many influences who have guided him throughout his soccer career. These people have motivated and supported him along the way, which shaped his character and mindset to be the player he is today. Neritani credits his first travel coach as the reason he has succeeded as a player.
“My first travel coach really motivated me to take the sport more seriously and made me realize how much better I can be and my potential as a player,” Neritani said.
The next boys varsity soccer game is Sept. 28 at home against DGN.
