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09/12/2023 11:40 AMWhen it comes to the sport of soccer, Danny McSweeney takes time to enjoy the production that goes into each pitch appearance for a group that is often unseen by the spectators’ eyes, and he has certainly worked hard for a lengthy amount of time within Madison soccer to now establish himself as a senior leader.
The Hand boys’ soccer senior center midfielder started with the sport at the age of 5. While he did experiment briefly with basketball and lacrosse, soccer still prevailed as his primary sport and subject of his athletic focus–playing both town soccer and premier soccer. Back in the 2022 campaign, Danny (briefly stepping in as a striker that season) and Hand made it to the Class L State Tournament quarterfinals following a 7-7-2 regular season. Now, as a squad captain, he looks to help corral Hand toward its first state championship since completing a four-peat in Class L from 2016-2019.
“I love how soccer is a team sport. I also like how there is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes. I never thought twice about another sport honestly,” says Danny. “My success with soccer has just come from hard work and support around me. It is easy to work hard when you have great teammates and coaches around you.”
Now serving in a leadership role, Danny denotes that any apparent anxieties he may have are eased by being around a throng of familiar faces. He adds that the new crop of coaches that have been well entrenched in the Madison soccer community has been a very welcomed addition.
“I have been playing with these kids since I was young, and I grew up with them as teammates and friends, which helps me as a captain,” Danny says. “It is an honor to be selected to lead this team, and I think and I know we can be a good team this year. We have a new coaching staff, who are all either former Hand players or coaches, and they are all here to really work. I am just so happy to lead this team.”
As a piece in the middle of the action on the field, Danny serves as a double agent between both sides of the ball. It can be quite a grueling grind and test of endurance and stamina on a daily basis, though it is something that Danny relishes and revels in through it all.
“As a center mid, I kind of get the best of both worlds, because I get to run up and down the field on both offense and defense, and I love it,” says Danny. “It can be difficult at times, because there is a lot of pressure to do your best, as a lot of the play takes place in the midfield. But we do have some great midfielders and center midfielders this year.”
This send-off season gives Danny the chance to apply all the vast knowledge he has acquired from his prior two campaigns within the Tigers’ program–including how to handle adversity and leap over any hurdles with a consistently optimistic disposition and mindset.
“I have been on this team since sophomore year, and I have always looked up to the seniors and the captains, so having two years under my belt, I can take in all that I have learned from them,” Danny says. “It all has helped my determination to do well this season and lead the team, and get us back to another state title. I learned that you have to keep a clear mindset; you cannot win every game, so it is about how you react to a loss and work to get better. You have to keep a positive mindset and work to get better every day.”
Looking to additionally set out his path towards college, Danny is ready to lead the Tigers’ charge in their quest to return to championship glory and gain an edge over its neighboring rival.
“Academically, I want to finish strong and go to college. I want to finish my soccer career here strong and work towards winning SCCs and states. I will look to play club soccer in college because I love the sport so much,” says Danny. “We were eliminated in states by Guilford last year. And it is kind of a blessing we get to play them early this year, and we do not want to lose to them again. The whole team is hungry, and everyone has been working hard in practice.”
New Hand boys’ soccer Head Coach Mike Shirley praises Danny for not only his natural raw athletic talent, but also his great grasp of the strategy of the sport while being a great role model for his teammates and within the Madison soccer community.
“Danny is a very talented soccer player. His abilities make the game easy for him,” says Shirley. “His technical abilities also make the game easier for his teammates; he is able to be a provider for his teammates. Danny understands tactical plans quickly and is adept at executing those tactical plans. He is a naturally charismatic person, who other people gravitate towards. It makes him a natural leader. Danny is able to lead quite naturally as a result of this charisma, and his teammates will follow his lead without him needing to change his tone. He is someone who is able to connect with anyone. I watch Danny connect and speak with parents in our community, as well as young children. It is a joy to watch.”
Danny has certainly grasped the concept of diligence and dedication. No matter what itinerary is on his plate each day, he embraces it all with persistence and positivity.
“One big lesson and motto for me has been to work hard and play hard,” says Danny. “It is not easy with putting so much into soccer and then having school and homework on top of that. You have to have balance and follow a schedule. I also learned that you have to keep pushing and working hard, even when things do not go your way. No matter what happens, things will get better.”