Webb City junior Abe Daniel has been around soccer for as long as he can remember, but he says the sport has shaped far more than just his footwork. From long practices to late-night bus rides, he credits the game with teaching him how to put others first and how to thrive inside a team.

Daniel, an 11th grader at Webb City High School, said his biggest inspirations start at home. “I am inspired by my parents and all they have done for me to get me where I am at today,” he said. He also points to his church leader, Tyler, as a guiding influence in his faith and personal growth.

In the classroom, Daniel lists math as his favorite subject and names his homeroom teacher, Mr. Derryberry, as a standout among his teachers. Away from school and the pitch, he enjoys playing video games and kicking the ball around with his younger brother.

Daniel said he has “played soccer my whole life” and looks up to international star Lionel Messi as his favorite player. On the field for Webb City, he understands how demanding every role can be, but he believes the back line carries a unique responsibility. “I think that all positions are equally difficult in their own ways, but defense definitely has the most pressure,” Daniel said.

What he values most, though, are the friendships that have grown inside the Cardinals program. “The friendships I have built with my teammates” are his favorite part of being on the team, he said. One former teammate, Hudson Spikereit, made a lasting impact. Daniel said he looks up to Spikereit as a leader and role model because of his kindness and his faith in God.

Those lessons from mentors, family and teammates blend with what soccer has taught him. Athletics, he said, have shown him how to work within a team and to put others above himself — skills he expects to carry with him long after high school.