For Rio Americano senior Parker Levine, soccer has been a con- stant presence in his life and adefining part of his high school experience.
“I have been playing soccer sinceI was 4 years old,” Parker said.
This has created a lifelong connection to the sport that has helped shape him into a steady and dependable presence on the field. Now in his final high school season, Levine’s primary position is an outside back or wingback, while he also fills in at center back when needed. He likes to embrace whatever role best helps his team succeed and contribute defensively.
Throughout his high school career, Levine has focused on constant improvement with the goal of continuing his career
beyond Rio.
“My future goal for soccer is to play at a collegiate level,” he said.
That ambition is backed by meaningful memories from throughout the years, including what he considers his biggest moments: “Beating Jesuit my freshman and senior year, along with earning first team all league my junior year.”Those moments reflect both team success and individual recognition for his work on defense, as well as the effort he has put in over multiple seasons.
Like many players around the world, Levine looks up to one of the game’s greatest stars.
“The player I look up to most is Lionel Messi,” he said, pointing to Messi’s skill and influence as inspiration, even from a defensive position.
Levine aims to bring that same level of composure and confidence into his own game, even though they play very different positions.
His pregame routine is simple. “I don’t have many pregame rituals, but mostly listening to musicand visualizing what I want to do in the game in my head,” he said. That mental preparation helps him stay focused and ready for the challenges and excitement of each match through out the season.
The Raiders opened the season with momentum.
“This season, Rio soccer began with some positive wins against Jesuit and Vista del Lago to start the year,” Levine said. Looking ahead, he is hopeful for more success. “I hope we will make it to the playoffs and have a long postseason run as well.”
