After two years away from the Terra Linda boys varsity soccer team, senior Diego Santizo has returned, greatly impacting the team and their prospects in the championships. Santizo plays on the field as a midfielder, a central position, allowing him to make important offensive plays and stop the ball before it reaches the main defensive line.
Although Santizo hasn’t played at TL since his freshman year, he has been playing for the youth soccer club MLS (Major League Soccer) for the past two years. This team travels around the country, attending games and showcases throughout the year. However, Santizo decided to play for TL’s team this season. “The team has really benefited from that decision,” shared teammate Reid Brandt ‘26. “He’s super skilled on the ball. He always plays well, and he’s really humble. He’s not very vocal, but he’s definitely a big presence on the field.” Brandt adds. Santizo always steps up to the ball and wins it for his team. While his voice may not be the loudest on the team, his commitment and footwork have spoken for him, and his teammates continue to recognize this. “He’s so dedicated. He puts in the work,” affirmed Brandt.
Being an avid soccer player and watcher since the age of four, he has always tried his best to improve. Santizo accredits his skills to his hard work over the years. “Since I was a little kid, I’ve just worked really hard to get to where I am, and I think that’s always been a key trait for me. Hard work.” Santizo says. His dedication to the sport has shown this season. Constantly practicing and improving throughout the season, another aspect of Santizo’s skill is his consistency. Varsity soccer head coach Michael Trivello attests to Santizo’s dedication“We always know what we’re gonna get out of Diego. It doesn’t fluctuate. It’s an incredibly high level of playing. What we got at Diego in the first part of the season is what we’re getting out of him now. He’s just incredibly consistent and hardworking, and brings a high level of skill and determination to the field every single game we play. “
As a midfielder on the soccer field, Santizo is incredibly driven and tries to get the ball for his team during every play. Santizo has played on the field as a midfielder for most of his athletic career and appreciates that he can help his teammates in this position. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s where I feel like I can help the team the most,” said Santizo
Quiet leadership is the phrase that comes to mind when teammates think of Santizo. Driven, consistent, and dedicated, he doesn’t need to be loud to show his commitment to the team. “He’s quieter, but you can tell that he cares,” shared junior teammate Jackson Ahlemeyer. “He played, I think, almost every minute of every game this season,” said Trivello. “We rarely have ever taken him out. He is a quiet leader on the field and, obviously, he’s very well respected by his teammates and the coaching staff.” According to Trivello, Santizo’s playing and leadership on the field is a key reason why the team has made it so far in MCALS. “He’s really brought a level of skill and experience to the team that has been missing. It’s been great to have him back this season for his senior year.” The team will miss Santizo’s dedication and level of playing in the midfield next year.
Although some might think it difficult to return to a team after two years away, Santizo was excited to play with his teammates again, commenting “Just playing with these guys again has been really fun. I haven’t played with them in such a long time. And a lot of these guys are friends. We’re close. So that team, that family, that we sort of have is just great. I’ll definitely miss that.” As a dedicated athlete, consistent player, and quiet leader, Santizo has made his mark on the team this season. TLHS looks forward to seeing what he will accomplish in the future!
