A gifted athlete from Sault Ste. Marie, Xavier is making his mark as a left winger for Soo City United. He takes immense pride in his fitness and his ability to compete at a high level. For Xavier, the best part of the game is simply the joy of playing and the strong desire to “go somewhere and accomplish something” with the sport he loves.

He defines greatness not by wins, but by the drive to persevere and a positive attitude.

A confident player with a team-first mindset

Xavier’s journey has been one of growth. A key personal setback was his lack of confidence, which sometimes held him back from driving toward the net. However, he has since overcome this, learning to trust himself and becoming a more confident player.

Xavier running
Xavier running during a practice (Andrew Stuetz)

This season, he’s focused on continuing his development and becoming a much stronger player overall.

Xavier finds inspiration in global soccer icons like Ronaldinho, Messi, Neymar, and Lamine Yamal, admiring their unique style, dribbling skills, and confident demeanour on the field. He believes that respect for the opposition is paramount, reminding us that no matter how competitive a game gets, it’s essential to be kind and fair to your opponents.

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He understands the hard work required to succeed, having dedicated extra effort to balance soccer, school, and his social life. This commitment paid off when he successfully passed his AP math exam. Beyond the pitch, Xavier’s biggest takeaway from the sport is that if you want something, you have to put in the time and effort.

Xavier playing with the ball in practice
Xavier playing with the ball in practice (Andrew Stuetz)

He also recognizes that, “if you don’t have a team, then you can’t win.”

Advice for the next generation

When asked what advice he would give to a young athlete just starting out in their sport, Xavier shared a powerful message: “Don’t get upset over a mistake or a comment someone makes to you, but instead use it as a reason to get better and learn from your mistakes.”

This focus on continuous improvement, coupled with his appreciation for teamwork, makes Xavier a true young-Canadian athlete to watch.

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5 Comments
  • George Charles
    George Charles
    September 15, 2025 at 1:38 pm

    You made us proud when you entered the world and you make us proud every single time you go out on the field.
    Oma and Opa Charles

    Reply
  • Luis
    Luis
    September 15, 2025 at 6:32 pm

    Keep pushing Xavier. The love you have for the game is your biggest strength in achieving bigger and better on and off the pitch, Make the ball happy!

    Reply
    • Andrew Stuetz
      September 15, 2025 at 7:23 pm

      Thanks for the support, Luis!

      Reply
    • John and Mary Malkki
      John and Mary Malkki
      December 2, 2025 at 2:40 pm

      Xavier
      You can do any thing you put your mind to, obviously. You don’t always have to win. That’s a bonus.
      Showing up and doing the best you can is what brings you the joy.
      Great Job.

      Reply
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