The moment Daniel discovered soccer, he was hooked. He has spent the last 13 years putting his heart and soul into the game he loves. Anyone who knows Daniel would tell you that he lives for this sport - even when a winning season is a long shot or when he knows the competition is fierce. He puts his all into every game and is a natural leader on and off the field. He never hesitates to guide his fellow soccer players and will be the first (and loudest) one on the sidelines cheering for his teammates. Daniel is even a teacher - always willing to practice or run drills when someone wants to learn, especially those young kids who are just figuring out the game.

Last fall Daniel decided to double up on his classes and graduate from Geneva High School early. Not long into the semester, Daniel realized this was too much for him and made the mature decision to redact his status and return to being a junior. While this decision was difficult for him, he made the right choice for himself, however since Daniel played in the Finger Lakes East All-Star soccer game, Section V Athletics has made the decision to deny Daniel eligibility to play his senior year of soccer. Daniel signed a waiver to play in the All-Star game that apparently stripped him of all rights to play high school soccer again, not taking into consideration an athlete’s change in status or even how a pandemic could affect student athletes. 

Daniel played in a senior All Star game. This game is put on for fun but now he is being denied his true senior year of soccer over this one game.

Daniel is not being recruited to play college soccer. He is not playing for a team that is slated to win a section title this year. Daniel would be gaining nothing by playing soccer with the Panthers other than enjoying the game he truly loves. Daniel would be more than happy to give up his senior night and to forfeit an appearance in another all-star game. They could even take a sectional appearance away if necessary, but to deny him his entire season over an all-star game? This is cruel. 

Section V has denied an appeal by members of the Geneva City School District community who have gone to bat for Daniel - people who truly know his character and his love of soccer. To illustrate how illogical this decision is, Daniel is eligible to play a different fall sport and eligible to play lacrosse in the spring, yet not allowed to play with his soccer teammates who he has grown up playing with. Explain how that makes sense.

We are asking for the community’s support in rallying behind Daniel in hopes that the Section V Executive Committee will reconsider their decision to deny an athlete his final year of playing a sport he has put his heart and soul into. ❤️⚽️

Thank you.