Featured Athlete Spotlight

Athlete Spotlight Feature

Awards and Accolades:

Junior Year:

- Academic All-American

- Academic All-District Team

- 2x NCAA goalkeeper of the week

- 1x ACC defensive player of the week

Sophomore Year:

- Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll

- Cal Athletics Honorific Scholarship

High-School:

- MLS Next "all star"

Q & A with Marco:

How does it feel to be named an Academic All-American?
It’s amazing to get recognition for all the work that gets done behind the scenes. I value academics just as highly as I value my soccer career and to be able to get a mechanical engineering degree from Cal while excelling in the toughest league for college soccer has been a dream come true. As much as it’s easy to constantly reference the accolades I have received this semester (2x NCAA goalkeeper of the week, 1x ACC defensive player of the week, Academic All-District Team, Academic All-American), I know the importance of not being complacent. I allow myself time to soak in the glory for 10 minutes then immediately flip a switch and forget about it to make sure I’m not becoming complacent.

What do you think contributed the most to your success on and off the field?
A strong support system is key. I have worked with many coaches and mentors throughout my life and here are a few that have really left an impact on my life. I’m extremely lucky to work with top individuals at Movement Health Science that have given me all the tools I need to ensure I am in peak condition for the season and be able to remain injury free throughout. I have worked with Doug Hoogendyk for several years and he has revolutionized the way my body works. He has helped me reach performance levels I never thought imaginable while also keeping me injury free with high level pre-hab work. Furthermore, it has been a pleasure working with Casey Feickert. Casey not only helped me physically heal a torn hamstring, he helped me regain confidence in using my hamstring which is an often overlooked part of the recovery process. Additionally, I owe a lot of my career to my goalie coaches such as my youth goalie coach, Joe Cannon, and my current goalie coach, Henry Foulk, for believing in me and teaching me the importance of discipline and hard work. Lastly, working regularly with a mental performance coach has been game-changing. Cal’s Lenny Wiersma has helped me dial in my mental state during games by helping me develop mantras and cues that help me stay centered and focused for 90 minutes. I personally believe mantras are one of the most quick fix impactful things an athlete can use. I have several for all different situations but an all rounder one I have is “Head up, keep climbing.”

I am someone who is built off hard work and discipline and that has been the key to my success. I may not be the smartest in the classroom or the most talented on the field but I will always put 110% into everything I do and outwork the competition. I’ve always had the mindset that in order to play in front of thousands, you have to outwork thousands when no one is watching.

What's your favorite part about playing soccer?
Firstly and most importantly, I’m an uber competitive guy and being able to compete everyday in practice and every week in games allows me to fulfill that desire of my life. I am someone who will do whatever it takes to outwork others.

Secondly, I have met some of my best friends through soccer. Having a common goal is a great way to get to know someone and chances are if you’re both working towards the same dream of going pro, you will have very similar interests and live your lives in a similar manner which leads to deeper connections.

Thirdly, I have always had lots of fun just playing. I love physical activity and training everyday is fun to me. I view training as an opportunity to enjoy myself and get better rather than an obligation to stay in shape.

How has physical therapy helped you stay at the top of your game?
Physical therapy has helped me get into peak condition for pre-season and maintain that condition throughout the multi-month season. It’s relatively easy to get into game ready condition. It’s hard to stay sharp for months at a time when you are constantly getting battered and bruised daily in practice and games. Physical therapy is what enables you to keep your performance levels up as your body starts to experience more fatigue.

What are your goals for next season?
Plain and simple, sign a pro contract at the end of the season. It’s always been my dream to play pro and for soccer to become my job. I have a real opportunity now and I will grab it with both hands.

What makes MHSPT different from other physical therapy or treatment you have experienced?
MHSPT is different from other physical therapy and treatment because of the high attention to detail and high-performance focus. Doug and Casey could figure out what my exact injury was and what was bothering me just by watching me walk. They not only help explain your issue, they make sure you understand the consequences of your injury and provide you with action steps to improve. They build plans based on your goals and what you wish to accomplish. Furthermore, they are incredibly knowledgeable about biomechanics and how your body works which leads to better results and higher performance gains compared to other physical therapists.