By Ivy Knapp
Carmello Myers’ soccer journey started at a young age and has grown into something much bigger than just a game. Now an Edmond Santa Fe Senior, Carmello says his love for soccer began when his dad introduced him to the sport at just six years old. What started as a way to spend time together quickly turned into a passion that has shaped his high school experience.
Carmello plays as a Center Defensive Midfielder, a position he truly enjoys because of the control and responsibility it brings.
“Being able to control the whole field from the midfield and being able to find passes,” he said.
He is known for keeping things organized and staying calm in the middle of the field. Carmello says his biggest strengths are his passing and his work ethic. He takes pride in being consistent and doing whatever the team needs, even if it doesn’t always show up on the scoreboard.
Like most athletes, Carmello is always working on ways to improve. He admits that shooting isn’t his strongest skill yet, but he’s committed to getting better. “My shot is definitely one of my weaker attributes, but I’ve been improving that day by day,” he says.
That mindset has helped him grow throughout his high school career. One of his favorite soccer memories came during his sophomore year, when his team made the playoffs for the first time.
“It was such a fun and amazing experience to be able to play in my first playoff game,” Carmello says. Moments like that remind him why he loves the sport.
Before games, Carmello focuses on staying calm and prepared. He listens to relaxing music to clear his head and stretches on his own about an hour before kickoff to avoid injuries. Mentally and physically, he believes a good routine makes all the difference.
Being a good teammate is something Carmello values a lot. He believes strong relationships make teams better, it not only builds you up but the team up as well both on and off the field. Soccer has also taught him an important life lesson that effort matters.
“Always give it 100 percent even on the days you don’t feel like you should,” he said.
Balancing school and sports aren’t always easy, but Carmello understands the importance of academics. He says being a student-athlete has taught him to put his studies first because you never know what can happen. His favorite subject is English, especially because of the books and poems they read. His goal this year is to finish strong with a 4.0 GPA.
He has important advice for younger athletes.
“Don’t prioritize your sport over your school. It will come back to haunt you,” Carmello explained.
After graduation, he plans to continue both his academic and athletic career at Rose State College, where he will major in business and keep chasing his goals on and off the field.
