Freshman Kasey Dantuma found his love of soccer through his father. 

Soccer is one of the biggest parts of his relationship with his dad, who coached him for four years at the YMCA. 

Watching soccer games is a bonding experience with his dad—they put the game on and chill together, though if it’s a championship game, they get a little more excited. 

“My dad introduced me to [soccer],” Kasey said. “He helps me. He played the same position as me. It has changed since back then; they didn’t have goalie gloves and used their bare hands.” 

Kasey’s dad tries his best to be supportive and helpful by giving Kasey tips and help here and there, but there is a rather large generational gap that often comes into play. 

Kasey explained how he believes that people now are more dedicated to the sports they play. Athletes now train harder and have improved their skills. The rules have changed to make sure the athletes are safer as well. Nonetheless, Kasey’s dad does his best to keep up and help Kasey improve. 

Even after switching from the YMCA to club soccer, his dad volunteered to help Kasey and his team. He would serve as a goalie since that was the position he played in his younger days. Even now, he helps Kasey get ready in the off-season while giving him tips and letting him know what he needs to work on. 

Though Kasey loved having his dad as a coach, the coaches he has now have more experience and are up to date on the newer skills. 

His dad played through high school and is excited Kasey is following his lead, but Kasey hopes to surpass his dad and play in college. His dad also wishes for Kasey to play through college, but would never force him to do so if his wishes were different. 

“It’s good he’s not pressuring me [to play soccer],” Kasey said. “Our relationship hasn’t really changed; we’re still pretty close.” 

Kasey’s dad always supports him even when they aren’t spending as much time together. Their relationship is still strong, and his dad tries to help out as much as possible.

“[I miss him] helping me out during the game,” Kasey said, “but he still tries to help from the sidelines. My coaches [now] have played longer and played in college.”

His dad and his friends push Kasey to be better. When he is not playing an official season in soccer, he works with one of his friends who plays goalie as well. Because he pushes himself to do the best he can, Kasey can often be found playing in the soccer fields after school or in the summer. 

Kasey is thankful for everything his dad has done for him and for all the help he has given. And he knows that if he plays in college, his dad will be cheering him on from wherever he is, whether or not he can make it his games.

And even if college soccer isn’t a part of his future, he knows his dad will be proud of him and support him either way.

However far away Kasey goes, he knows his dad will be in his corner cheering his name. 

“Thank you, [Dad],” Kasey said, “for helping out in the past, and I’m looking forward to the [future.] I hope you can make it to my games in college, [even though] it’s different, and I know you can’t make it to all of them.”