Valairco Heating and Cooling Mountaineer Athlete of the Week: Soccer Player Jaykob Marquez

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ - This week’s standout athlete is Jaykob Marquez, a junior in his third year with the Bernards soccer program, whose dedication and impressive play have made him a key player on the team. Coach Joe LaSpada praises Jaykob for his exceptional chemistry with his teammates, noting that “he has a very good understanding of where they are going to play the ball to him.” Whether it's receiving passes in dangerous areas or creating scoring opportunities, Jaykob's ability to read the opposition and make smart decisions has led to several goals and assists early in the season.

Coach LaSpada added that Jaykob's ability to either beat opponents with a pass or dribble is a testament to his versatility on the field. “Jaykob is constantly striving to improve and be the best player he can be for himself and the team,” said LaSpada, pointing out how Jaykob leads by example in both practice and games. His relentless work ethic and focus have not only raised his game but have also inspired his teammates. “His energy and determination are infectious,” says LaSpada, “and his support of the younger players makes him a great role model.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

Jaykob himself emphasized the importance of developing chemistry with his teammates on and off the field. “I spend time with them and learn their style of play, so I can adjust my movements,” he explained. His strategic thinking is clear when he talks about positioning himself during a game, “I think about my strengths and how I can pose the most danger to the defense. I try to open up space for my teammates and create distance between me and the defenders.”

One of Jaykob's favorite moments came during a match against Somerville, where he completed a hat trick with a top-corner shot from outside the box in the final five minutes. “That goal stands out because it sealed our win and was the perfect finish to the game.” He admits that while he enjoys assisting teammates, there is nothing like the feeling of scoring a goal and celebrating with his team.

When things aren’t going well during a match, Jaykob stays calm. “If I’m not beating defenders or my touch is off, I switch things up—play simple, quick, and give my teammates more opportunities,” he said. His leadership extends to mentoring younger players as well. “I tell them to be patient, work hard, and trust the process. The rest will come with time.”

However, his biggest inspiration is his father, who has played a significant role in his soccer journey. “Even though he never played professionally, my father is the reason I keep pushing forward. He’s sacrificed so much for me, and he’s influenced my playing style by always giving me advice on how I can improve,” Jaykob reflected.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

The team currently holds a 6-2 record, and with personal goals of reaching 30 goal contributions and helping secure multiple trophies, Jaykob is determined to make this a standout season. His confidence in the team's progress has only grown, especially after their recent overtime victory against Delaware Valley—a win that showcased their resilience and cohesive teamwork.

_______________________________________________

Valairco Heating & Cooling is the proud sponsor of the Bernards Athlete of the Week.

Valairco Heating & Cooling is family owned and operated and know that keeping your HVAC systems running smoothly is important to the comfort of our customers, their families, and their guests. That is why their family is dedicated to taking care of yours, no matter what the issue may be. Using only top-quality parts to perform a higher-standard of service and all their services are backed by their 50 years of professional experience and 5-year comprehensive warranties. This means that when you call our team at Valairco, you benefit from their total commitment to your complete satisfaction. Call 855.661.3300.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net