Senior Samko Duracka, was four-years-old when he started playing soccer.

He said, “I started playing because my dad played soccer, and I watched his games and wanted to be like him. I then began to play soccer on my own and found joy in it.”

His biggest inspiration is Kobe Bryant.

Despite the loss of many key players from last season, Samko is excited for this season. “Even though we lost a lot of important pieces, I believe that we will be able to be successful in this league and make a good run.”

Samko transferred from C. Milton Wright and has truly valued his team at JC. “Having one season left makes me want to go out and enjoy and give everything I have one last time for this team and the school.”

He is also a leader on and off the field and was named a captain in this ’24 season. “Being a captain is something that has given me a lot of pride. It is an opportunity for me to grow and help the younger players grow on our team.”

After high school, Samko plans to continue his academic and athletic careers at Clarkson University.

Samko trains for soccer year- round but “in my offseason, I try to relax more and enjoy the time off, but also, I still train, stay in shape, and have fun while playing.”

In addition to soccer, Samko likes to play pickleball, fish, hangout with his friends, and simply just have a good time.

If he could tell his younger self one thing, it would be “do not let others get in the way of your dreams.”

Samko Duracka’s teammate Owen Gerber said, “He is a natural born leader who is always willing to be accountable for his actions and fights to get the best out of all of us on the team.’’