A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Springdale’s Nathan Dubas

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, October 7, 2024 | 1:12 PM

After the Springdale Dynamos boys soccer team lost its top goal scorer from last year to graduation, senior Nathan Dubas felt it was his responsibility to step up and assume that role for himself.

“I wanted to step up and be that guy this season. I knew I had to put in a lot of work, a lot of training in the offseason to improve,” Dubas said.

Dubas’ efforts are paying off. He leads the team with 13 goals and has five assists.

“He’s had a lot of success over the last couple of years,” coach Mario Liberati said. “It’s a testament to his hard work, and it’s fulfilling to see his work pay off.”

One of the key areas Dubas felt he needed to work on the most was his stamina. He attended every conditioning session the team offered and has seen a huge improvement.

“I can tell in the games,” Dubas said. “I don’t get as tired as much, and it gave me the confidence to want to play the full 80 minutes and contribute and help my team.”

Said Liberati: “He works hard every single minute. I always ask more of him, and he steps up, never complains. His physical conditioning is top-notch.”

That should worry Springdale’s opponents. Their leading scorer doesn’t leave the pitch and has a knack for scoring the big goal to lift his team.

“He provides a huge spark offensively for us,” Liberati said. “Doesn’t matter if we win or lose, he always scores a big goal when we need it.”

In a nonsection game against Freeport on Sept. 14, Dubas scored two goals within 10 minutes after halftime to dig his team out of a 1-0 hole. The Dynamos won 3-2.

In a 4-2 loss to Gateway on Sept 24, Springdale was down 3-0 before Dubas scored to make it 3-1. A few minutes later, a teammate scored to pull the Dynamos within one.

“At the beginning of the season, there was a little bit of pressure being in that role,” said Dubas. “But after our first couple of games, I realized I could be that scorer the team needed. My teammates help me a lot with it, and I’m comfortable now in that role.”

Dubas took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

How close is the section race going to be down the stretch between you guys, Winchester Thurston, and Trinity Christian?

It’s going to be close. We’re all really talented teams. But in the end, I think we have more talent to come out on top. We have a lot of talented young guys, a lot of experienced players and a really good coaching staff to help us win the section.

To what do you attribute to your individual goal total?

I can’t do anything without my teammates. They’re the reason I have all my goals. I play well with some of our midfielders and other strikers.

What’s it like having a new coach in your final year?

It felt different because of new tactics and new aspects to go over. I adapted pretty well to it, and I appreciate everything the new coaches have done for the team, and I think it has impacted us all in a positive way, and it’s a reason why we’re doing well this season.

What part of your game are you looking to improve on this season?

I wanted to improve my communication. I’m kind of a quiet person, and I wanted to communicate to my teammates a lot better and more frequently.

What are your goals for the season?

To contribute however I could to the team. Didn’t matter what position I was to play, I just wanted to play my very best and get my team to victory and into the playoffs.

What would be a successful season for you?

Constantly getting better as we progress through the season, which I think we’ve been doing. We improve every day at every practice we have. I think that mentality has helped us improve, which gets us closer to the playoffs and ultimately the championship game.

Any hobbies?

Going to the gym, hanging with friends. I’m a big sports guy, so I enjoy playing soccer and basketball in my free time.

What are your post high school plans?

Attend college and attain a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

Keep working hard and keep having fun. High school sports are one of the best things you can be a part of. You wind up with a lot of memories, and they’re oftentimes the best parts of your life.

Tags: Springdale