Evan Maruska, a sixth grader at A+ Charter School in Maricopa, Arizona, is quickly emerging as a notable talent in youth football. His journey, marked by determination, leadership, and a passion for the game, serves as an inspiration to his peers and teammates.
From an early age, Evan was drawn to football, inspired by his older brother who also played the sport. “I’ve been playing for four and a half years now,” he says. “Seeing my brother play made me want to join too.” This initial interest has grown into a deep love for the game, especially the camaraderie and the thrill of making long passes. “The people I meet are my favorite part of football. I love making long passes,” Evan shares enthusiastically.
Evan’s commitment to football goes beyond just playing the game. He embodies values such as leadership, sportsmanship, and integrity, both on and off the field. These qualities are evident in his approach to leading his team and maintaining high spirits, even in challenging times. “Keeping team spirits up is important to me. When we have a bad game or play, I work to let them know it’s okay,” he says.
One of Evan’s biggest inspirations is NFL quarterback Josh Allen. He admires Allen’s ability to excel in both running and throwing, particularly under pressure. “Josh Allen’s run and throw game is on point, especially when being rushed in the pocket,” Evan notes. This admiration fuels his own aspirations and drive to improve his skills.
Outside of football, Evan is a multi-faceted individual. He enjoys playing with Legos and basketball, showing a love for creativity and other sports. His passion for football extends to attending quarterback camps, where he enjoys meeting up with fellow quarterbacks and friends. “I love the QB camps! Meeting up with my other QB friends is always great,” he says.
Evan has set clear goals for his football career. In the next six months, he aims to lead his team to a championship. Over the next year, he has set an ambitious goal of throwing over 50 yards. His dedication to achieving these goals is unwavering, and he works hard to ensure that his team is always striving for success.
Before every game, Evan has a unique ritual. “I drag my hand across the turf before the game,” he reveals. This small act helps him focus and get into the right mindset. Music and dancing also play a role in his pre-game routine, helping to keep his energy and spirits high.
Evan’s success and growth as a player are supported by a strong network of coaches and family. He expresses deep gratitude for his dad, who has always been there for him. “My dad! He has always been there and will always be there for me,” Evan says. He also credits his Puma coaches for their guidance and support. “My Puma coaches are the best,” he adds.
His advice to other young athletes is simple yet powerful: “Don’t stop working! Never let anyone out hustle you!” This mantra reflects his own work ethic and determination to continuously improve and succeed. So far, Evan has been fortunate to avoid injuries, and he hopes to continue this streak. “Not yet and I hope to not anytime soon,” he says with a smile.
Evan’s training regimen is rigorous. He has weekly training sessions with Gio and works out regularly with his dad and teammates. This dedication to training and improvement is evident in his performance on the field. One of his most cherished memories is winning the championship with his team. “Winning the championship with my team! Nothing beats that feeling,” he recalls with excitement.
Evan Maruska’s journey in football is just beginning, but his passion, leadership, and dedication are already setting him apart. As he continues to grow and develop as a player, there’s no doubt that he will achieve great things and inspire many others along the way. The Maricopa Pumas are more than just a team to Evan; they are a brotherhood for life, and he is proud to be a part of it.