Written by CULLEN SCHULTEIS
Emmanuel Bastidas Noriega, varsity soccer captain and striker at Carrboro High School, has made it to the quarterfinals in the race for Colassal’s Youth Athlete of the Year award. This is a national award to recognize stellar athletes across the United States with more than skill, but also the strength to do what doesn’t always show up in a box score or highlight reel. In order to win, athletes are voted for with daily participation from supporters. If the athlete receives more votes than others for the round then he/she continues to the next round where the same process repeats. The winner is given mass amounts of publicity through CBS and Sports Illustrated advertising campaigns, as well as receiving $25,000.
Bastidas has triumphed throughout five rounds of voting so far since entering the competition on August 17. This quarterfinal voting ends on Thursday, October 8, as the striker continues his pursuit of this achievement facing off against roughly 15-16 other kids in his group. Voting for the final round ends on October 22, and the winner will be announced before November 19.
Bastidas has passed several rounds of elimination from the supporters he has gained from all around Chapel Hill and Carrboro; however, he has been placed into this position through years of ceaseless practice and training. His industrious tendencies have pushed him, and now he is receiving respect for things you can’t see just by watching a game. Ordinary fans can’t observe the incessant hours of work that have been put in. Throughout injury or poor weather, Bastidas has been driven by his pure love of the game to play regardless of the conditions.
Ecstatic for this opportunity, the Carrboro captain was caught off guard by the strong support he was receiving saying, “Honestly, I never thought of my sport as a way to gain so much attention; I play it because I love it. Getting so much attention is a bit awkward, but heartwarming, as I know lots of people have my back and truly care for me.” He is excited for what the future holds, not playing just to win awards, but rather out of a love for the game. Whether he wins or loses, Bastidas has continued his senior season with determination and tenacity, saying, “I will keep playing because I love this sport and to hopefully produce happiness and joy to whoever may be watching, that’s the goal.”
Born in Venezuela, Bastidas moved to the United States at a young age and found an opportunity to learn from his experience. He said, “I’ve watched my parents work their absolute hardest and sacrifice so me and my sister could thrive and pursue what we want most, teaching me that even if it is hard, if you work harder and push for what you love; everything will work out.” He has remained persistent in all aspects of his life, stating that regardless of how challenging things get, he trusts his faith in God’s plan.
Emmanuel Bastidas Noriega celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal for Carrboro High School. (Photo via Emmanuel Bastidas Noriega.)
Bastidas has demonstrated elite skill for years on the field, growing up with soccer ingrained into his everyday life. He has been a soccer player for as long as he can remember, even being told that as a toddler he would always kick balls back to his parents as opposed to throwing it to them. His soccer mentality of grit and teamwork has been instilled into all aspects of his life. He’s found comfort on the field, using it as a place to “express himself.”
Daily practices have taught the striker values such as responsibility, patience, and discipline. He’s grown into a leader, being able to work with all kinds of people, thinking about the group first and himself second.
“I believe it’s best to be a good teammate and friend, and having someone in your corner means loads more than a big speech or calling out plays.” He has put his character on display, stating that relationships with his teammates mean a lot to him, as they can “grow through frustrating moments with positivity, helping teammates you’ve stood by so they can grow as a whole.”
Bastidas plans to use the years of knowledge he’s gained from his dedication to soccer in his future. Knowing that he wants to continue to be an influence, he said, “Leadership is not about being loud and wearing the armband, but it’s about how you help others and the message you send to those you play with and those watching, which is something I want to carry with me wherever I go.” The captain is driven to maintain the standards he’s set later in his life, saying, “I’d like to continue helping people stay calm and have faith in the process. I don’t know for sure where soccer will take me but it has taught me lessons that will stay with me the rest of my life.”
As the competition continues, Bastidas will need our community support. This scholarship has the potential to allow Carrboro’s captain the athletic recognition he and his family have worked tirelessly for. At the end of the day, however, the love of the game is the dream. The striker says, “I am motivated not for the fact of winning, but because I see the amount of people who are with me, and the desire to make them happy and proud.” Whether winning the award or not, Bastidas continues to look forward to the next game, chance to play, and opportunity to inspire others to find joy in the making … that is his true goal.
Fans can vote for Bastidas here, with the quarterfinal rounds ending at 11 p.m. EDT on Thursday.
Cullen Schulteis is a Chapel Hill High School student, who is contributing writer to Chapelboro. Find this piece, and more of Cullen’s work, on his Substack.
Featured images via Emmanuel Bastidas Noriega.
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