01/25/2018
Sometimes in life there are moments when the path to success seems blurred and unclear. The murky vision of what lies ahead of us allows ideas of doubt and uncertainty to seep into our mentalities. Some people see that as an indication of the wrong path choice and instead seek a clearer view. Others put their heads down and fight for what they truly want and wade through the uncertainty with a strength and unrelenting will that inspires you to be better just for them. You feel stronger just by being near the magnitude of the fight and the fire in their heart.
Then, there are those moments, clear as a lightless sky, where all that toxicity falls away and we are left with a clear vision of everything we have built for ourselves during those trying times. Well, clarity has finally arrived for one of my oldest friends, client, nugget, peanut, princess and every other nickname I've called her over the years.
I was fortunate enough to meet Jeanine Nunez when she was just a baby faced U-13 Staten Island United travel soccer player who loved the game and always played with a chip on her shoulder. From Staten Island Academy to indoor sessions at the old Victory Sports Arena, summer training every year in 100 degree weather, beep test after beep test after beep test. Besides spraining her ankle by blasting a shot at her when she was playing goalie before practice one day (still sorry about that 🤦♂️), I did all I could to give her every tool I was given as a player and to push get farther then I ever pushed myself. Not only did she soak up every ounce, but she made it all her own. Building a stronger mental fortitude and a willingness to sacrifice more than I had ever asked of her because that's who she was and how she was raised to be by her incredibly dedicated parents. The amount of hours this girl has spent on perfecting her craft and honing her mentality could make your head spin clear off your shoulders. All this while being able to split that same focus into her studies and schoolwork as to never unbalance her life and keeping her future blindingly bright no matter the path she chooses.
Unfortunately sports, like life, is fickle and will more times than not leave you wishing you could've, should've, would've done more. Luckily for Jeanine, she was finally given the due that she so rightly deserves.
So a HUGE congratulations to DSA lifetime client Jeanine Nunez for being named to the DII All-American team and the Scholar All-American team for her 2017 senior season at Adelphi University ! Catch some of her training moments on our page. Best of luck to all our clients as they finish the school year strong and head towards the future ! Christian Cuba