Written by Bridget Fahey.
OKINAWA, Japan—Syohga Cusumano is Southern Maine Community College’s (SMCC) male student-athlete spotlight for the month of September—a member of the SeaWolves men’s soccer team. His big heart for people definitely shines when it comes to anything that he does, whether it be playing soccer, passing around a football with friends or waiting until his friends back home are awake, 13 hours ahead from where he is here, in South Portland.
Syohga is an 18-year-old first-year student who is studying Paramedicine in hopes to become a Paramedic or Firefighter; he explained that “SMCC is the perfect place for me.”
He has played various positions in soccer over the years (to include left-back, center midfield and sweeper), ever since 8th grade. While thinking it was a sport he wouldn’t enjoy at a young age, it has turned out to be his favorite.
His love for his team or should I say his “brothers” and Jesus Christ make him a very humble and hardworking student who counts his blessings by being able to have this opportunity here at SMCC. Syohga says that “I've realized the blessings God has given me… having a healthy body to be able to play soccer has made me thankful and motivated to do the best I can in every game.”
Syohga is not one to dwell on the games in the past but says, “We’re onto Cincinnati” a quote from Bill Belichick (New England Patriots, Head Coach). He has a great mentality on game day and is thankful for these opportunities he has been able to have here and in his life; I don’t think I could express that enough.
Asking someone about their role models in life can be a difficult question or the easiest. Syohga had a quick two ready to go, “Jesus for sure!” he explained and his father, back in Japan. His father had taught him how to create boundaries for himself with a strict lifestyle back home. Syohga says “I can see what he did, why he did it and why it was good for me… if he hadn’t taught me the way he did I wouldn’t be who I am right now.”
His gracious attitude has made him very successful in soccer and to be in his academics and life ahead!
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