The St. Dominic boys soccer team has had continuous victories this season. In honor of this accomplishment, a soccer athlete has been chosen as the athlete of the week. The star soccer player this week is, senior, Johnny Petruso.
As with any great athlete, Johnny got into soccer at a very young age. He has played soccer for most of his life with the support of his family, friends, and coaches. His hard work and dedication to this sport has paid off this season with the Crusaders obtaining continuous victories.
“My dad and brother played soccer so they had an influence on me getting into soccer. The process of how I got to where I am is hard work over the off season and during the summer,” Johnny said.
His vast work ethic is supported by his teammates, coaches, and family. One of his biggest supporters, along with his brother, is his Grandpa. This support and encouragement throughout the years has shaped him into the person and soccer player he is today, with many accomplishments, assists, and goals to come in the future.
“My favorite memory of this season is when the whole team showed up to my grandpa’s wake after their game against Kirkwood,” Johnny said.
Although support and encouragement is important to any great athlete, a great idol is equally important as well. Even the best players have had idols throughout their career, like Messi with Pablo Aimar or Christino Ronaldo with Ronaldinho. For Johnny, his idol hits a little closer to home.
“I look up to my brother because he has played soccer his whole life and played 4 years of college soccer. So he is a good role model for me and gives me good advice for what to say or do in certain situations,” Johnny said.
This advice will help him with his future plans and soccer wins. His plans for the rest of the Crusader soccer season is to win the High School Champion league as well as State. If the Crusaders win State this year it will be their fourth time as State Champions. Before thinking about State, however, the next home game of the season is on Tuesday at 7pm against Borgia, so make sure you come out to support!
