Swish! The ball finds the back of the net, and senior Noah Daniel celebrates with his team. For Daniel, this exhilarating feeling is not new. Soccer has been an integral part of his life for as long as he can remember. In early childhood, he was inspired by how the sport challenged him as a player and a person. To Daniel, soccer is more than just a game; it’s an outlet that allows him to push his limits, connect with others and experience the thrill of competition.
Despite this being Daniel’s first year playing for Poly soccer, his deep-rooted passion and years of high-level club experience have made him a crucial asset to the team. He competed on the LA Surf club soccer team before he moved to MLS Next in his freshman year. He’s continued to play with MLS Next throughout high school.
Daniel, a center back, has an incredible presence on the pitch and has aided Poly’s varsity boys soccer team to an 8-3-1 record with a 3-0 league record.
As a new senior on the team, Daniel has quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches, demonstrating skills and composure under pressure. Having faced high-pressure moments before, Daniel is no stranger to making split second decisions on the field.
Daniel’s hard work and talent are evident in how he leads and encourages his team to perform at their best. Sophomore Momo Tonthat praised his impact: “He is a team player who does all the difficult defending, and he is very composed on the ball and never shows signs of panic.”
Tonthat’s comment sheds light on Daniel’s contributions. His defensive prowess and composure provide a solid foundation for the team’s success. Whether interrupting an opponent’s attacks, delivering precise passes, or stepping up in crucial moments, Daniel’s assertive nature is felt across the field.
Daniel plans to continue playing soccer at Division III Swarthmore College. Excited for the next chapter, Daniel shared some aspirations: “I am excited to create new bonds with my teammates and continue growing both as a player and a person.”
Additionally, he shares that playing at a collegiate level has been a goal of his for a long time. “I am eager to embrace the challenges, growth and opportunities that I will face,” said Daniel.
Reflecting on his season so far, Daniel expressed gratitude for how the program has shaped him. Through teamwork, resilience and determination, he has grown both as an athlete and as a leader. With the season still underway, he remains focused on helping the team achieve its goal of a league championship and a deep playoff run.
Daniel’s absence will certainly be felt next season, but the Poly community is looking forward to seeing what Daniel will do in the future.