The sun pierced the sky on a chilly morning in early September. The grass was dry on the field, the blades winding and tangling over each other. Players, running in a hurry, would impulsively stop, change direction, block each other, and run again. In the excitement, these figures were like electrons in motion, being drawn to the magnetic pull of the black and white checkered ball.

In the confusion of running boys and the cacophony of shouting parents, Matthew Hunter, a striker for the Santa Fe High varsity soccer team, was always vigilant. He directed his teammates during the game and kept his opponents, the Santa Fe Prep team, on their toes. There is no athlete quite like a striker, a player viewed as vigilant and deceptive, quick and fierce.

The plays were fast and tense. It was a game of pain and pressure, glory and guts. Matt scored a goal that shortened Prep’s lead to 2-1 in the second half. But by the end, there were victorious screams from the Prep fans — and disappointment from the Demon fans.

Even though Santa Fe High lost, the team showed growth and improvement over last year. “People were working harder,” Matt said. “It’s kind of difficult, but you lean on your teammates. You try and form a group and it makes us stronger mentally.”

Team coach Robert Quirk told the Santa Fe New Mexican, “I’m more excited about the future, when these guys really mature. I think they understand that it’s just one [match] at a time and everything we’re doing today is more for the future than it is for this year.”

Since Matt was 3 years old, he has been playing soccer. When he was little, he would follow his brothers around as they played soccer, and it turned out he really enjoyed it. With the encouragement of his parents and brothers, he soon became an exceptional player.

By the time he was in middle school, Matt was a striker for the Santa Fe High varsity team. Ever since, he has encouraged his teammates to do their best and has become a star on the field.

“I very much enjoy playing with Matt and I am lucky to have an opportunity to play with such a great player,” said team member Danny Clain. “He inspires us to play well every game.”

“Matt is a great player and moves his body very well on…the field,” claimed Dylan Kyle, a sophomore on the team.

This season, Matt has played better than ever, scoring 14 goals as of Sept. 27. This rising star, who is already gaining the attention of college coaches, is devoted to becoming a soccer champion.

However, his pathway to success has not been easy. “It can be pretty difficult to do all the things necessary for good grades while having practice and games every day,” Matt said.

Student athletes often are torn between academics and their success on the field. Athletes who take challenging classes have to manage their time well. School has certainly disrupted Matt’s summer schedule, when he could dedicate entire days to individual and team practice, and even train others.

As a mentee of Matt’s, I have learned that talent is not only innate; it takes practice, dedication, and sacrifice to grow and succeed. As an exceptional player and devoted student, Matt has encouraged and inspired many of his teammates. He still has a long way before college, but who knows? We may have a future star in our midst.