GCSD senior Christopher Dutan is living out the dream of countless young athletes. A die-hard soccer fan who has been playing since the age of four, he was chosen to try out for professional-level play at a Football Academy in Spain. The invitation came when scouts saw the four-year Varsity athlete at a recruitment club a few weeks earlier and were clearly impressed with his abilities. The opportunity came together quickly and required Christopher to travel to Spain on his own. While a significant and frightening commitment, he - with his family’s full support - seized upon the opportunity. Christopher has been in Spain for the past two weeks competing for a roster spot.
“I was surprised when I got the news because I wasn’t sure I had it in me,” said Christopher. “But now I’m here giving it my all and am so proud to represent Woodlands.”
Christopher’s surprise notwithstanding, Woodlands Varsity Soccer Coach Tyler Steinfeld expressed nothing but confidence in the two-year captain’s skills, acumen for the game, and maturity. “Christopher has a quiet confidence and pushes himself on and off the field,” said Coach Steinfeld. “He’s the kind of athlete and person that the younger players look up to, but he doesn’t want the focus to just be on him. He’s a true team player.”
Christopher has been enrolled in the Greenburgh CSD for his entire education, and also succeeds academically. He said that Woodland’s soccer program has been instrumental to his success because “the coaches motivate him and help him believe in himself.” When asked about his teammates, he said, “We joke around and have a lot of fun, but also know when to take it seriously. We know we can count on one another no matter what.”
GCSD Athletic Director Mike McCoy also commented on the team’s camaraderie. “Christopher’s success can be attributed, in part, to the support he has received from his team over the years. They push him in drills and the games - they push one another.”
Coach Steinfeld added, “The Varsity team has been very supportive (of Christopher) throughout this process.”
The faculty, staff and students of WMHS gave Christopher a send-off that conveyed their enormous pride for him as a player and, even more so, as a friend and classmate. Woodlands cheerleaders and marching band led a parade through the hallways to the commons where Christopher was showered with confetti and well-wishes. Students painted large signs reading, “Talk with your heart, play with your feet” and “It’s hard to beat someone who never quits,” to which they added written messages of encouragement.
Christopher emphasizes that throughout his life, his family motivated him to keep going and to never give up on his dreams. In turn, Christopher offers a similar sentiment to younger players.
“Stay active and keep training, and be sure o put in the effort even outside of school,” he said. “Never give up. No matter how hard the situation, keep pushing.”
We look forward to sharing more information about Christopher’s journey in the coming weeks.