Marco Uscanga Lopez has been playing soccer for seven years. Now a sophomore at Stillwater High School, he plays attacking or holding midfielder for the Pioneers. Over the years he has learned a valuable lesson about what to strive for on the field. 

“It has taken patience and hard work,” he said. “Not everything happens overnight, and I’ve had to learn this. Practice makes permanence. So, treat every moment, even the simplest, as your last.”

This mindset is what has shaped him into the player he is today. That, and some great influences who have been in his life.

“One of my biggest influences is my father,” said Marco. “He has made many sacrifices to help me and teach me to grow as a person. He has taught me that in order to be the best player it is not only what you do on the field but what you do off the field.” 

At school, there have been some great influences too. They help him achieve excellence in the classroom as well as on the soccer field. 

“Another one of my biggest role models is my high school coach and old club coach, Seth Condley. He has given me insight for many years now and helped along the way with so many awesome opportunities. He has given me so much and I am thankful,” he said. “My favorite teacher has been Mrs. Fieldsend, for sparking initiative in me. Showing that settling for good is not enough and taking responsibility for my own actions.”

Along with soccer, Marco is also part of student council, Beta Club, Stillwater Makes A Change, (SMAC), and Technology Student Association.