When you think of the word quarterback, you probably picture a football player calling out plays, dodging tackles, and throwing passes under the Friday night lights. For varsity quarterback William Santiago, that’s all the spectators see. However, behind the face mask is someone who leads with heart, humor, and a whole lot of grit.

 “I’ve learned that success isn’t one game or one season,” Santiago said. “It’s how you handle what’s next.”

Santiago started playing football in fifth grade as part of the offensive line. That early love for the game and competition stuck with him and eventually led him to take control of the offense by playing quarterback. He’s since committed himself to being not just a better player, but a leader his teammates can rely on.

Now, as a team leader, Santiago focuses on leading by example, especially in high pressure moments.

 “To me, playing quarterback is about more than just throwing a ball,” Santiago said. “Everyone looks up to me, so I try to stay calm and set the tone.” 

That tone is especially necessary when pressure creeps in. Whether it’s a bad drive, a difficult quarter, or a large game, he knows that his teammates are counting on him.

 “Being the quarterback, everybody looks to me,” Santiago said. “So if I’m confident, they feel confident as well.”

On the field, quarterback is not all glory and highlight reels. Santiago admits the toughest part is the visibility of the position, every mistake, every fumble, every bad read is seen by everyone.

Santiago’s toughest adversity struck a year ago, when a broken arm shelved him in the Week 9 home game versus Fremd. 

“That was tough,” Santiago said. “But it showed me to just keep going even when things don’t go your way.”

 That mindset repaid him both on the field and in life. Juggling school and sports is not easy, especially since Santiago is a three-sport athlete. Between practices, games, and school, time management and discipline have become as important as accuracy in throwing. But he’s been able to take it in stride with the same calm that he carries onto the field.

When not on the field and out of cleats, William tries to keep things simple. Keep his feet on the ground, spend time with friends, work on school. He knows football is a big part of what makes him himself, but it doesn’t define him entirely. 

“Fall in love with the process,” Santiago said, sharing advice that could apply not just to athletes, but to anyone chasing something more.