By Amilio Venditti – Staff Reporter

As he closes out his final soccer season, the impact that Senior Captain Daniel Haluza has made on the Law boys soccer team and the community is evident.

Haluza has helped the team in numerous ways as he is a highly versatile player. He is relied on as an offensive and defensive player and a fearless opponent.

“Dan has been one of our most impactful players game in and game out,” Head Coach Mr. Gruber said. “He controls and covers so much ground it’s impossible to replace him with one player.”

Haluza played only one position for all four years of his high school soccer career – center defensive midfielder.

“I enjoy being able to come up with new ways to receive a pass and distribute the ball to my team so that we can stay fluid and progress up the field,” Haluza said. “As a CDM I have to play quickly and hold my ground, players run at me from all directions and it is important that I work to control the center.”

Haluza leads the team by encouraging his teammates and motivating them to be better. At both practice and games, he puts in 100% effort which inspires others around him to follow in his footsteps.

“Dan inspires our team by organizing extra practices and boosting morale during tough times,” sophomore Harkaran Sekhon said. “His collaborative leadership fosters unity, enhances our performance, and I really appreciate his unwavering positivity, which keeps us motivated.”

Haluza has made it very easy for the beginner and first year players to adapt and understand the game.

“Dan makes sure to let everyone know where and when to be,” sophomore Arnav Saxena said. “Being my first year, Dan has helped to be a romodel and mentor for me.”

Haluza has found a way to keep himself physically and mentally prepared for game day. 

“I believe it is important to be the hardest worker on the field and to always be prepared in anything you do,” Haluza said. “Physically, the day before a game I make sure to stretch and drink at least two gallons of water so that I do not cramp.”

Off the field, Halusia makes sure to put the “student” in “student-athlete” at Law. He is a part of the Math, Spanish, and Science Honor Societies while maintaining a 4.75 GPA with 10 AP classes and 230 community service hours.  

“Dan has helped me time and time again for class work and homework,” senior Michael Montes said.

Although he has enjoyed his time playing high school soccer, Haluza has other interests pasts graduation

“I do not plan on continuing soccer after high school; I want to focus on education,” Haluza said. “Soccer has taught my valuable lessons in terms of my work ethic and focus, but I have chosen to fully pursue medicine in college.”

Haluza started soccer at eight years old when he joined the Milford United youth soccer team. He started out as a striker but quickly switched to midfield.

“I am from Europe, so a lot of my life was already surrounded by the sport before I even started playing,” Haluza said. “That’s what really led me to want to play the sport.”