Each year, the San Luis Obispo High School varsity Soccer team chooses twenty one students to represent our school in the winter. Very rarely do we see a freshman good enough to be on the varsity team, with the last one being senior Brian Finger four years ago.

“I do not take into consideration their age or grade, I ask myself can he help us[?], is he good enough to handle the pressure[?], and can he handle the speed of play[?],” said former coach Frank Marotti Jr. when asked about what he looks for in a player.

Freshman Branden Dolezal is one of those players. Dolezal plays point forward for varsity soccer and is extremely successful up top. He currently averages one goal and two assists per game. Dolezal does more than help the team score, he also strips the ball off the opposing team’s feet in vital parts of the game.

Dolezal has been playing on the Santa Barbara Club team that has won Nationals and has gained the mentality of a leader. At practice, he brings everyone else’s level to an all-time high and is always positive during games.

Even though Dolezal is a spectacular soccer player, he is also a black belt in karate. He has kept up his karate skills for ten years. I wouldn’t recommend getting on his bad side because it will hurt. A lot. Dolezal is in all a great kid that excels in sports, school, and life.

If you are interested in seeing this player in action, there is a tournament in Bakersfield this Friday and Saturday.

Currently, our varsity soccer team sits on a record of 3-1-1.