Freshman Soccer Player Receives Two GSC Honors in Two Weeks
The Gulf South Conference (GSC) has awarded freshman, Daniel Hrenko, two honors for his achievements as goalkeeper for the men’s soccer team.
He first earned GSC Defender of the Week in the week of September 27th, the following week being awarded with GSC Freshman of the Week. In these two weeks Hrenko had 24 saves.
Hrenko gives the credit to his defense for helping him to perform well.
“I would not have won those awards without my defense,” Hrenko said. “It’s more than just me and I really have to thank the whole back line.”
Hrenko said when it comes to training, he most benefits when he works with the whole team, but also learns from the other goalkeepers and individual training.
“It allows me to gain more experience and to understand my backline better,” Hrenko said. “The more I understand them the more they understand me and the better we play.”
Hrenko said that his past coaches have either been philosophical or encouraged Hrenko to be adaptable and the Flames have been helpful in combining them both.
“Both were instrumental in my success,” Hrenko said. “Coming to Lee I felt there is a mixture of those two. We do have a style we play here at Lee, but we are adaptable.”
Co-Captain Quade Marinell said one of Hrenkos’ biggest strengths is communication.
“He’s very vocal in the back which as a goalkeeper is instrumental,” Marinell said.
“You have to have good talk to the backline.”
Hrenko said that he has multiple goals for the season. The least being to continue to start for the Flames.
“My personal goal is to keep the goals against our team low,” Hrenko said. “If I’m playing I want no goals against me.”
Hrenko also hopes to help the team win the conference and then go on to the national tournament.
Hrenko desires to also improve his mental strength this season.
“You have to keep that mentality strong,” Hrenko said. “You can’t let your guard down ever. You have to keep reflecting on how you played.”
Co-Captain David Perez said that he is proud of his fellow teammate.
“Just keep that confidence up and keep that level up and you’ll be a great college goalkeeper,” Perez said.
