Senior soccer player transforms through sport

High school soccer offers a demanding season for those resilient enough to survive it. The constant running, freezing winter practices and dirty hits prove that the sport is not for the faint of heart. Senior Andrew Moore knows all too well about the pains of the sport as the starting wing for the 2015-’16 Fresno Christian soccer team. 

He started playing soccer in early elementary school with his friends and family, leading  him to realize just how much he enjoyed the game of soccer. Moore went on to play in elementary school, and all four years of HS.

Moore says he developed a love for soccer from his family who urged him to engage in a variety of sports.

“I began to enjoy soccer by my dad showing me the sport at a young age,” Moore said. “My parents tried to expose me to a variety of sports, and soccer was the most exciting. I was better with my feet than with my hands, so it was a good fit for me.”

Moore grew up playing soccer, learning the skills from his father. However as he grew older, transitioning into a mature soccer player, he began to learn from high school coach, Matt Markarian. He has also received helpful tips from more experienced players on the team.

Moore’s learned many things about the game of soccer regarding perseverance and teamwork. The constant running during the sport, though tiresome, has shown Moore that it takes each individual competing to the best of their ability to achieve true teamwork.

The thing I enjoy most in a soccer game is the thrill of contributing to a win. If I played well that particular game, I feel a strong sense of community with the other players. The whole team celebrates together, and that’s always fun. — Andrew Moore

“Soccer has taught me many things, but the main thing I have learned is perseverance,” Moore said. “By its nature, soccer is long and exhausting, so the only way to succeed is by continuing to work hard throughout the game. Also, as a team sport, soccer taught me that everyone can help contribute to a greater cause.”

The enjoyment and pride of a win is something Moore relishes in, but knowing he was preeminent during the game is the most pleasing victory for him.

“The thing I enjoy most in a soccer game is the thrill of contributing to a win,” Moore said. “If I played well that particular game, I feel a strong sense of community with the other players. The whole team celebrates together, and that’s always fun.”

Fellow peer and teammate, Griffin Schmidt, ’19, will miss Moore’s friendly personalty, and the example he sets for the student athletes of Fresno Christian. His most memorable moment with Moore is during a practice where he slightly missed each shot he took.

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Moore’s most remarkable moment in soccer was beating Minarets, as the team earned their first win of the season, and his first victory in his varsity career.

“My most memorable game of soccer was when our team beat Minarets for the first time,” Moore said. “It was the first varsity game we had ever won while I had been there, so it meant a lot to myself and the team. It was encouraging to see what we had worked for finally create a positive result.”

Soccer has taught Moore many important things about teamwork, goals and his own personal relationship with God.

“I have learned valuable lessons about teamwork through my years on the soccer team,” Moore said. “I have discovered that someone like me with less talent can contribute and be useful to those with more developed soccer skills. My Christian faith has allowed me to persevere on the soccer field. When I feel like giving up, I know that God is with me and will enable me to continue, and that helps me get back to work.”

Moore aspires to leave a lasting impression on his fellow peers and teammates by showing them what dedication can do for a person.