While many seniors prefer to schedule an easy last year, senior John Dinsdale refused to lighten his extracurricular load. He filled his final year with leadership, journalism and varsity soccer.

“Joining soccer was a really good desicion because it has taught me how to stick with my commitments even when I am tired or feel like giving up,” Dinsdale said. “I am really happy I played because of all the lesson I learned.”

Dinsdale, with experience as a varsity football player, enjoys the friendships formed on the field.

“My favorite part of the team is being with the other players and making memories,” Dinsdale said. “I expected us to do well this year and that’s exactly what we did.”

Because Dinsdale spent the majority of his high school career on the football field, he hesitated to join soccer. However, during his junior year, encouragement from his friends finally convinced him to sign up.

“John is a great friend and that’s what brought him out to soccer in the first place,” Drew Wiese, ’09, said. “Vincent Cabias [’09] asked John to come out and help the team, so John joined the soccer team and worked hard for two years.”

Once Dinsdale joined soccer, coach Matt Markarian immediately recognized his commitment.

“John came to practice every day and worked hard and never gave up,” Markarian said. “He was a good example to the team. He gave the team a unique sense of humor and great leadership skills that made him a great senior leader.”

Playing alongside friends has given Dinsdale an opportunity to create memories. Cabias appreciates Dinsdale’s humor and dedication on the field, remembering a header goal made by Dinsdale in the team’s final game against Caruthers, Feb. 17.

“John’s goal was unexpected but very exciting,” Cabias said. “It could not have happened to a more unsuspecting player. He has worked so hard in the past two years and deserved that goal.”

Dinsdale’s attitude and enthusiasm on the field gave Dinsdale the advantage of being an inspirational player to younger students.

“John also had a way of putting the game in perspective,” Markarian said. “He always made the team laugh even after a tough loss. The younger players really looked up and respected him.”

While sports occupy much of Dinsdale’s time, he also involves himself in leadership and journalism. Aside from extracurricular activities, Dinsdale harbors interest in music.

“I love listening and checking out the newest music,” Dinsdale said. “I also like watching movies and hanging out with friends and making lasting memories with them.”

Dinsdale’s interest in music has inspired the senior to pursue a career in the field.

“I plan to attend Fresno City [College] for two years and then move to L.A. and attend the musicans institute and hopefully become a music producer someday.”

The boys’ soccer team lost their final game against Caruthers, Feb. 17. For more information, visit the Boys’ soccer sport shorts.