High School Standouts: Marion’s Roberson helps captain ‘Canes to historic season

MARION, Va. (WJHL) – Marion graduated senior Isaac Roberson has had the soccer bug since he was just three years old.

“It’s always been my main sport – it’s been my first love,” he said.

In his elementary school days, starting out in the Upward program, he learned the beauty of the global game.

“The energy of the fans – you’ve got to love that,” he explained. “But, also just having a community – a family with the team. I love bonding with them.”

At first, it was his travel squad with who he honed his skills at a high level. He had a little assist from his folks on the travel front, as well.

“Travel games could be up to like three or four hours away,” he recalled. “But, thankfully my parents took me to those far away games to help me develop.”

As a freshman, he truly found his second family on the Scarlett Hurricanes varsity squad.

“I’ve been playing with the majority of these guys for about four years now,” he said.

This year’s group did something truly special – something that had not been done in most of the players’ lifetimes.

“This is the first time we made it to state since 2006, which is actually when I was born,”
the senior captain said. “So, I mean, just feels right, you know?”

The ‘Canes turned in double-digit win on the campaign and finished as runner-up in Region 2D behind Graham. The G-Men were the only team in the district to hand Marion a loss in the 2024 season.

The campaign eventually came to a close in the state quarterfinals against eventual Class 2 state champions Glenvar. But, not before making a mountain of memories.

“It’s always a good time out here,” he said.

Roberson also made two state tournament appearances as a member of the Marion golf team, after only picking up the sport for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I never believed I could even make the team, as much as take it to the state tournament,” he said.

Now, it’s off to Wytheville Community College with plans to earn an associates degree in science, before fully pursuing a career as a physical therapist.

“I’ve actually had to go to rebab from soccer before, so I got to see inside and I actually like what they’re doing,” he explained.

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