A strong, silent leader earns All-State honor

Calhoun High School senior Michael Guerra epitomizes the silent leader.

A four-year member of the Colts boys' varsity soccer team, Guerra was one of nine Long Island residents recently named to the All New York State Team. And to Calhoun coach Jim Cantley, the honor came as no surprise.

A three-year starter at center midfield, Guerra's teammates knew they could rely on him for direction, both with the ball on the field, and in advice off the field.

"He's a quiet leader, leading by example, with just his effort, determination," Cantley said. "He's not the biggest guy in the world, but he hates to give up the ball, so he's very feisty, very underestimated in terms of his strength and determination."

It's that hustle that helped get the Colts to the Nassau County Championship game in November for the first time since 2002. And, although the squad fell 2-1 in overtime to Hicksville, it was a great accomplishment for the number three seed, and something that Guerra had aimed for since he stepped foot on Calhoun's fields in 2006.

Many teams have players who can score, but not every one boasts a player who can quickly transition from defense to midfield with the flick of a foot. That's one of Guerra's strongest assets, and makes him one of the top players that Cantley says he has coached.

"I would consider him, skill-wise, in the top three I've ever coached," he said. "His love of the game and how much fun we have at practices, his leadership, he's such a positive, soft-spoken leader. When he speaks, the kids get quiet and listen because they value so much what he has to say."

Guerra played a major role in most of the Colts' offensive drives last year. Guerra had 10 assists in the 2009 season, yet another stat centering around anyone but himself.

When asked what his strongest asset as a player was, he shifted most of the focus back to his team. "My ability to spread the ball out through the field, use all the players instead of just focusing on myself," he said.

While Guerra certainly has the respect of his teammates at Calhoun, he has made a name for himself in soccer outside of the high school game as well. Having played on the Albertson Fury, an elite U.S. Soccer Federation Academy team, Guerra has his eyes set on playing Division I soccer next fall. Guerra has yet to accept an offer, but he said he hopes to stay in New York.

Why not when you're already one of the top players in the state?