The Voices of Marco & COE
David Soboff: First, congratulations on Boston College, class of 2027!
Marco: Class of 2027! I’ve been thinking about BC for a long time. I considered other top schools but chose BC because of the soccer program and academics. I have friends going there, and I’m so excited. At The Pro Project, I trained with Frankie D'Agostino, who’s now coaching at BC, and gained a lot.
DS: It’s a great achievement. What’s it like to be an elite athlete?
Marco: I don't think of myself quite that way. I see myself as a hardworking athlete with drive, dedication, and determination that’s paying off. My vision of the future has always kept me going even through difficult times.
DS: Mike also says you have tremendous perseverance.
Marco: I do. We all face obstacles and struggle to stay positive at times. I've learned that it's up to me not only to keep going but to get better. It’s what I like about COE’s philosophy: no matter what, work to be 1% better each day!
David Soboff: First, congratulations on Boston College, class of 2027!
Marco: Class of 2027! I’ve been thinking about BC for a long time. I considered other top schools but chose BC because of the soccer program and academics. I have friends going there, and I’m so excited. At The Pro Project, I trained with Frankie D'Agostino, who’s now coaching at BC, and gained a lot.
DS: It’s a great achievement. What’s it like to be an elite athlete?
Marco: I don't think of myself quite that way. I see myself as a hardworking athlete with drive, dedication, and determination that’s paying off. My vision of the future has always kept me going even through difficult times.
DS: Mike also says you have tremendous perseverance.
Marco: I do. We all face obstacles and struggle to stay positive at times. I've learned that it's up to me not only to keep going but to get better. It’s what I like about COE’s philosophy: no matter what, work to be 1% better each day!
DS: Is this how you manage pressure as a player?
Marco: Pressure is constant when playing, and what matters is how you deal with it. There was a time when I wasn't doing as well because I wasn’t as big or fast as many others on my team. This impacted my performance and the pressure mounted. With Mike and my dad, who owns gyms, we mapped out a plan for me to become faster and stronger. I focused intensely on strength training and speed sessions. It worked beautifully. With Mike and Luke’s coaching at The Pro Project, I learned to focus on the little things I can do in the moment that can make a big difference. The Voices of
DS: That's a powerful perspective.
Marco: Psychological strength is as crucial as physical strength, and I’m a strong-minded player! I know how to confront challenges the right way. I also work with a sports psychology coach to manage the internal 'voice' that says, 'you just can't do it' or 'you're not able to get any better.' This is a reality for all players, but my coach and I have a system where I text him, and we talk later. This works well because I can overcome negative thinking and stay on track.
DS: How do you describe yourself?
Marco: Respectful; I treat people the right way. I'm passionate about everything I do. I want to be more than good; I want to be the best. This was why I was one of the first to sign up at COE.
DS: You like to push yourself.
Marco: Yes! My goal is to be a pro and make a living from something I love. I'm a good student and mostly get A's, but I want to get straight A's.
DS: What position do you play, and why's it right for you?
Marco: I play CAM (Central Attacking Mid), and I'm constantly involved in the game, making it the perfect position for me. As the name implies, my role is central to everything that goes on in the game. I score, make final passes, and I’m the link between offensive and defensive play. As CAM, I need to stay incredibly focused and aggressive, always look for opportunities, and help lead my team! CAM is ideal for me because I'm unselfish; I constantly look for teammates to pass to and score so we can win, and I'm all about my team succeeding!
DS: How does what you’ve learned playing soccer carry over to other parts of your life?
Marco: Playing soccer brings order to everything; it forces me to set priorities and ask for support when I need it. I've learned how to advocate for myself with coaches, which I now do with my online teachers. Soccer also brings so much pleasure. For me, it's all about the fun, and I have it every day, but I need to get a lot done academically to excel at my level.
DS: Mike says you’re one of the best players in your age group in the region.
Marco: I’m confident in the CAM role; I can do great things and help bring out the best in my teammates! DS: What club are you with? Marco: I'm on NER (New England Revolution) U-16/17, and I played on U-14 and U-15.
DS: What's your superpower?
Marco: On the field, it's technical skills. Academically, it's time management because doing well in an online school requires excellent organization and self-discipline.
DS: At what age did you begin soccer?
Marco: Six years old. My dad’s Brazilian, he played, and loves soccer; I knew it was for me the moment I kicked the ball!
DS: Who’s the player that inspired you most?
Marco: Ronaldinho because he was so skilled as an attacking midfielder and an all-around player. I also learned from Eden Hazard's control and creativity.
DS: Do you have a quote that keeps you going when it gets tough on the field or in a class?
Marco: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.” Actually, it's best when you have talent and work hard!
DS: Who are your greatest role models?
Marco: My parents have always supported my dedication to playing soccer. They’ve pushed and motivated me and celebrated every one of my achievements! My parents are incredible role models! They're always ready to help others, offering their time and support, even though they both work tremendously hard. My dad tries to go to every game of mine, and my mom does everything to ensure that my dad, brother, and I succeed! As an owner of gyms, my dad’s built a business on helping people improve, and my parents are always looking for ways to do more for others. I admire this so much, and I want to be like them.
DS: That quote also inspires many of your peers at COE.
Marco: It fits into COE's philosophy: every day, work to improve by 1% and be better than you were yesterday. This is exactly what Mike, Stan, Gui, Luke, and all the coaches at COE push and inspire me to do! I apply it to my online school, and Kim shares this philosophy in our classroom. I also work to improve 1% each day and become a better person.
DS: How did you get through COVID?
Marco: When everything closed during the pandemic, I could still train constantly in my dad’s gyms. I played soccer outdoors with my younger brother. I also played a lot of video games.
DS: What's surprised you about COE?
Marco: Many of us knew each other from The Pro Project and clubs, but none of us knew what to expect at COE. We all wanted intensive training and coaching, the ability to study online but be in a classroom setting, and together build a community of driven athletes. What surprised me was how COE attracted the best players from different clubs. There's no other place like this in the country!
DS: What do you like most about COE?
Marco: In training, I gain new ideas and strategies, benefit from the special drills, and get instant feedback. I love to train with top athletes. I also learn from watching COE’s coaches play because many had pro careers. Kim keeps the environment positive, and she's ready to help everyone. Most of all, I progress every day, and this is what I like most!
DS: Kim says you’re an academic leader, always ready to help your peers.
Marco: This is how I want to be known!
DS: What's COE's secret sauce?
Marco: Good question…it's the best coaches. They set the tone that we're all going to succeed in reaching our goals. This makes us want to help each other improve!
DS: What's your favorite subject?
Marco: Math. I've always been a numbers person. I’m in an Honors class, which is challenging, but I’m doing well.
DS: It's 2040, you're a great pro, and young fans want to know how you did it.
Marco: Find a community united in its love of soccer made up of the best players and coaches. Watch others who play differently than you and learn. Commit to getting better by 1% every day! This is what I’ve always done; it paid off for me and will for you, too!
DS: What would you say to next year's student-athletes at COE?
Marco: You’re surrounded by greatness, so take advantage of the best coaching and turn to the academic experts whenever you have a need. In a game, you’ll have opportunities to do something phenomenal at any moment. COE can help you train and be ready to recognize and maximize opportunities. Push yourself to excel at COE; you can do it!
DS: If you got stuck on a deserted island for a while but had food and water, what two items would you also need?
Marco: My phone to stay connected and a soccer ball to have fun. Even if no one else is stuck on the island with me, I’ll still use the time to train!
