Editor’s note: Athlete of the month is released by ASB a week after the month ends. Stories on each athlete are delayed for this reason.
Dribbling down the field, soccer player Chase Mafong (11) made his appearance as the February Male Athlete of the Month. Competing as a left winger, Mafong completed his third year with the school’s soccer program, as a second-year participant on the varsity team (18-5-1).
Mafong has played soccer for 14 years and describes his favorite parts as “meeting so many new people through the sport.”
This is his second year playing at the varsity level under varsity boys soccer head coach Francisco Lona.
“Chase is a very unselfish player who is constantly looking out for his teammates,” Lona said. “He brings quality not only from an attacking perspective, but from a defending point of view as well.”
According to Lona, Mafong showed “exponential” growth since last season.
“His pace, power and energy have been magnificent,” Lona said. “He’s playing with a lot more confidence.”
This season, Mafong has contributed to the team through 16 shooting goals and 13 landing assists.
“I think it’s important to work on all parts of the game,” Mafong said. “I work on fitness and my shooting most of the time, but I definitely work on small touches a ton to stay sharp.”
Teammate Marcus Weick (11), a striker and forward, described Mafong’s role on the team.
“He is always communicating with the team [and] acting as a fourth captain,” Weick said. “He will always be the first person to congratulate you on a good pass or good shot and hype you up.”
Weick also spoke about Mafong’s development as a player.
“He has grown from not just a goal scorer to also an assistant,” Weick said. “He has always been the best at scoring, but he has also grown into being able to assist and set up goals as well as scoring them.”
Weick highlighted a memory.
“The best moment I have had with Chase was the game against Oceanside where he assisted my two goals and I assisted his goal,” Weick said. “It felt amazing to have that team chemistry with one of your closest friends and was a great moment and great win.”
When balancing school and soccer, Mafong experiences “a challenge balancing it all.”
“I try to always put my schoolwork first before any social event or soccer event,” Mafong said.
Outside of soccer, Mafong spends time with friends at the beach or goes on a walk occasionally to “reset [his] mind.”
Before games, Mafong keeps his routine simple.
“I honestly don’t do much before a game,” Mafong said. “I just pray before each game.”
Mafong advised younger players to “stay consistent and work on how to use both feet.” Looking ahead, Mafong has goals for both the season and his future.
“I’d definitely want to play soccer in college,” Mafong said. “… For next season, I hope my [school] team can win a state title.”
