Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Samuel Shamsey

It's been an up-and-down start for the Cougars. Following its first seven games of the season, Cardinal Mooney boys' soccer stands at 3-4 as of Nov. 30. Samuel Shamsey, though, has been a positive constant. The senior striker owns a team-high five goals on 16 shots entering December. Shamsey is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start playing soccer?

Since I was a little kid, I've always just loved sports and watching sports. I grew up watching soccer with my dad on the weekends, and then I started playing when I was about 4 years old. I've loved it since, and have kept playing.

What has driven you to stick with the sport over the years?

I like the feeling you get running after the ball with the wind in your face. I'm fast — I pride myself on my speed. So, being able to fly past defenders and get that one-on-one feeling with the keeper is really nice.

What's been the highlight of your career so far?

Growing as a scorer. I started off as a freshman, I didn't get any playing time at all, and then sophomore year, I had a chance to show myself. I showed my team what I can do to help produce goals and stuff. Since then, I've been more consistent in my performances. I consistently go out and do the same thing. 

What are your goals for your senior season with Cardinal Mooney?

I want to leave a statement. My goal is to try and get over my record last year of (nine) goals, but I got injured half of the season. My hope is to get maybe 10, 15 goals this year and lead us to not only a district championship, but maybe even further than that — into regionals.

The season is young, but what are your early impressions about the team?

We've got a great team. Pretty much all of us are seniors and we have great chemistry, and we see each other every day at school. That's one of our best parts. We're like a family. We all know each other, we all hang out with each other — even outside of soccer. It was just (about) getting down our consistency and that teamwork in the beginning of the year, so we had a bit of a rocky start, but I think we're going to see a lot of improvement and a lot more wins coming up.

When you're not playing soccer, how do you spend your free time?

Outdoors, as much as I can. Fishing is my favorite thing. I don't know if I can share my spots, but I take the boat out, go out in the bay and have a good time for the day.

What memorable quote or piece of advice have you never forgotten?

My great uncle told me last year — and he loves soccer — he said, "Even three quarters through the game, when everyone's gassed out, (Shamsey) always seems to turn on that afterburner and keep going." He said that's a good thing for life, too. "When life's going down, you've just go to turn on that afterburner and keep pushing forward."

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be and why?

(Lionel) Messi. I feel like I could learn a lot of things about him. The way he dribbles — faster with the ball than without the ball — that's something no one's ever done before. I feel like I could take a lot of advice from him as a person, too.

What's your favorite, go-to music?

My favorite band would be Coldplay, but I don't know if I listen to pre-game hype music or anything like that.

Finish this sentence. Samuel Shamsey is...

Driven.