Cadence Smith, an 8th grader from Spring Grove Middle School, is a talented and driven quarterback preparing to attend Hollister High School in Hollister, California. With four years of football experience under his belt, Cadence’s passion for the game was ignited as a ball boy on the sidelines for his father’s high school varsity football team. Watching the game up close and seeing his dad’s interactions with players inspired him to pursue the quarterback position and develop his leadership skills.  

What Cadence loves most about football is the thrill of winning, the camaraderie with his teammates, and the competitiveness of the sport. He values the importance of having a strong voice as a leader and building chemistry with his receivers and teammates. His favorite player, Tom Brady, serves as a role model for his leadership, poise, and ability to win under pressure.  

In addition to football, Cadence is a well-rounded athlete who plays competitive basketball and baseball. He also enjoys fishing in his free time and recently started weight training to further enhance his athletic performance. This dedication to multiple sports reflects his belief in staying versatile and competitive.  

Cadence has already tested his skills at the Johnson-Toney Football Camp, where he enjoyed competing against some of the best local talent. He has clear goals: in the short term, he wants to sharpen his skill set, and in the long term, he aspires to become the starting quarterback for Hollister High School.  

Unlike many athletes, Cadence doesn’t rely on superstitions or rituals before games. Instead, he listens to music to get hyped and focuses on a deliberate warm-up routine to lock in mentally and physically.  

His father has been a guiding force in his development, helping Cadence refine his footwork and throwing mechanics. Being his dad’s ball boy gave him invaluable insight into the game and taught him the importance of building strong relationships with teammates.  

Cadence’s hard work and determination were on full display this past season when his team went undefeated (11-0) and won the MBYFL Super Bowl in an exhilarating 25-24 victory. This championship experience reinforced his love for competition and his commitment to growth as an athlete.  

As Cadence prepares for high school, he is grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement of his parents. With his drive, natural leadership, and commitment to improving, Cadence is poised to make a significant impact as he embarks on the next chapter of his football journey.