By Matthew Cain
On the fields of a local YMCA with his father, Mateo Switzer at the early age of three took to soccer quickly. His father, who also played, did his best to impart his love for the game, which became a lifelong pursuit for Switzer.
It wasn’t just a game though, as it became a generational bond for his family. And a foundation in which Switzer developed his character.
“It’s my favorite position, just playing in the midfield, because you’re everywhere and you have the most action,” said Switzer.
This passion for action carried on into, and was expanded while in high school at Bishop DuBourg. Switzer was able to spend two years on the starting lineup for the varsity team which afforded him time to hone his skills and eventually commit to Saint Louis Community College.
Although he didn’t make the starting lineup initially at STLCC, Switzer persevered and within a few games was able to find his momentum once again. During his first season, the team did exceptionally well, with a 15-game winning streak making it to nationals.
While this current season hasn’t been as explosive according to Head Coach Ricardo Garza, this is to be expected to a degree.
“Every other year it’s going to be a grind, because we actually play hard teams on purpose to develop them… then they know what they have to do to play at that level”
Garza discussed the challenges of junior college soccer by explaining that every other year is designed to build players in order to be the best possible in the following season, citing this as the reason for why they go to nationals every other year.
This two-year system also means that, “Within one year, you’re the guy that everyone looks to”, said Switzer. “I try to help the other guys get used to it because I was in their shoes literally a year ago.”
This year, being the veteran on the team, Switzer has stepped up and become a true leader.
“He won’t stop. He won’t stop working. That’s why he was captain this year. It’s not as much about his voice, it’s about his action”, said Garza.
Beyond the field, Switzer carries with him this same work ethic, passion and empathy, as he is pursuing a career path to one day become a firefighter. This diverging path started during his freshmen year of high school.
Switzer was influenced by the death of a close friend and teammate.
“He got hit by a car, and so I kind of saw the hurt that everybody else and myself felt, and I wanted to be one of those guys to help people from not having to go through that,” Switzer said. “Because it’s not always the physical job of saving somebody. It’s also a job of being there for the people who are at the scene and just saw that happen.”
Garza seemed pleased with Switzer’s decision to pursue the fire academy and EMT work once his time with college soccer comes to a close.
“He’s going to be an amazing firefighter because he’s selfless. He checks all the boxes to be a public servant, I’ll tell you that,” Garza said. “He’ll grind it out. He’s one of those guys that I can see just going back in to go rescue more people. It’s never going to stop – that’s how he plays.”
While it currently stands that this will most likely be the last season for Switzer at the collegiate level it is evident that he has a future rife with opportunity. However, if something changes Switzer is still open to pursue soccer
“If any opportunities come up for soccer, I’d love to play as long as I can. If not, then I’m perfectly happy just moving on to my career.”
