It seems Santino Quaranta grew up before our eyes. An impetuous, young player from Baltimore, Tino first won our hearts as a 16-year-old draftee in 2001. His tone was brash, his actions passionate and his play was daring. We loved every minute of it.
Yet we worried about his future. Just as he entered the world of professional soccer at a young age, he fathered a child before he was able to cast a vote. He was wise beyond his years, yet still displayed flashes of immaturity that left us all holding our breath. His play on the field suffered and the promise that had been expected, seemed just out of his grasp. In 2006, Tino was set free, really, with hopes that a new club would lend fresh perspective and personal growth. Though with LA and, later, New York, Tino was never far from the hearts and minds of the staff and fans at D.C. United.
Two years later, Tino needed help. His career and life were spiraling out of control, the result of drug and alcohol addiction. After a stint in a rehab facility, it was time for Tino to come home. Jaime Moreno and Ben Olsen spoke to Kevin Payne, Dave Kasper and United's coaching staff. Tino was given the chance to resurrect his career and he didn't disappoint.
More importantly, Tino made the most of his chance to be the man we hoped he'd become. He's become a great husband, father and mentor to scores of aspiring young players throughout the region. He's become a counselor to countless others, helping them deal with the demons of drug and alcohol addiction. He's become the man we hoped he'd be when we met him as a teenager.
Though his playing career has ended, by no means have we seen the last of Santino Quaranta with D.C. United. The bonds are too deep, the respect too great. I congratulate him on his many on-field accomplishments and look forward to following the many successes which still lie ahead for him.
Vamos United!
RELATED:Photo gallery of Santino Quaranta's career with D.C. United
Doug Hicks is Senior Vice President, Marketing Communications at D.C. United
