By: Devon Liang '27
For many athletes, the love for their sports starts with a simple moment—kicking a ball in the backyard, watching a game on TV, or playing with friends. For George Marin '26, that moment came at a very young age in Hong Kong, as his parents introduced him to various sports to ensure he would remain active. "Soccer just clicked for me," recalls Marin, "I played with my twin brother, and then we both became fond of it." Since childhood, the games he and his brother watched, as well as hours of practice, laid the foundation for his future in soccer. Soccer was something that would be the passion defining his path in life; it was more than just a game.
Growing up, Marin's first soccer idol was Sergio Agüero, the striker for Manchester City. "I loved his playing style. He was my favorite," Marin shares. At 12, soccer became an even bigger part of Marin's life as his family moved to Frankfurt. "We moved mainly for soccer," he says. "I joined a small local team, and soccer became my main focus—school and soccer." However, the move came with its challenges. It wasn't all sweet during this transition. Having changed teams, Marin found himself fighting for playing time. "I wasn't playing much, but that pushed me to work harder," he reflects. "It hurt at first, but it made me more determined to keep pushing myself."
Coming to Cate as a freshman, Marin began playing high school soccer in the defender position with which he had some familiarity. "I was used to playing left-back, but when I was asked to play striker, it didn't go well at first," he says. By his sophomore year, however, his coaches gave him another shot at the forward spot. This time, it clicked: "I finally found my place as a striker, and the coaches were happy with how I performed." That is when things fell into place for Marin at Cate, as he was finding his strides on the field.
Throughout his soccer career, Marin has clung to family, especially his twin brother—a constant source of motivation. "We always had that rivalry, but it made me better," he says. "We pushed each other to improve every day." His parents also played an essential part in his upbringing, with constant support, especially on the days when things didn't go as expected. “There were times I'd travel for hours to a game, and I wouldn't play at all. That was rough, but my mom was always there for me, telling me to keep going," he says. "My dad was always there pushing me to play. When I didn't want to, he'd say, 'You're going to go out there and play.'"
Marin's coaches at Cate have also been instrumental in his development: "Coach Jorge and Coach Molina really believed in me," he acknowledged. "They gave me chances to grow, and I'm thankful for that." What made Marin pivotal to the team wasn't just his talent alone but, of course, included his on-field leadership and respect earned among the coaches. "They knew I was hungry to improve, and they helped me every step of the way," he adds.
His teammates also appreciate his impact on and off the field. Nathan Koh ‘27 describes Marin as "a great role model and one of the best players on the team." He further adds, "He is always there to help me, and it is a wonder to see how down-to-earth he is, though he is the top scorer among us. He really keeps the spirits of the team high." Koh praises Marin not only for his skill but also for leading by example. "George is always giving 100 percent in training, and that pushes me to do the same."
This has been a breakout season for Marin, netting 34 goals as one of the top scorers in the state. He also had 7 assists and 8 hat tricks throughout the season."It's been an incredible ride so far," he says. "I’m just doing my part, and we’re a great team. We’ve all worked hard for this." However, Marin is quick to emphasize that his success isn’t just about him. "It’s not just about me scoring goals," Marin explains. "I really owe so much to my teammates. They just create chances, and I will never be without them. Together, we can all push through and make every other person keep on getting better, and it's what ultimately makes this sight so special." He hailed the collective nature of his own growth and the team’s, thanks to the tireless effort of his fellow players. "This is all of us as one unit."
Left Wing Kiy Barry '26 also places high praise on Marin. "George is such a vital part of our team," says Kiy. "He scores goals, but what people don't see is how much he communicates and motivates the rest of us," Barry notes, adding that Marin can lift the entire energy of the team. “Whether it is a good pass or a mistake, George knows how to get us pumped up, and that is what makes him so special to play next to."
He can look back now and appreciate the journey that has brought him to this place. "From moving around the world to finding my place here at Cate, it's been an amazing journey," he says. One of Marin’s standout moments this season was in their game against Ventura High School, where Cate pulled off a 5-1 win. “It was a huge moment for us,” Marin reflects. "We proved it wasn't about the size of the school; instead, it is about the heart and determination within the team itself."
From his early days in Hong Kong to becoming one of the best players at Cate, Marin's story is one of passion, steadfastness, and teamwork. Whether he's on the field scoring goals or leading his team with infectious energy, Marin's story serves as a testament to hard work, resilience, and the endless support that can come from all corners.
