Entering his 7th season in Charleston, Dante Marini had one of his most productive seasons in the Black and Yellow in 2019. Proving a menace off the bench, Marini scored 4 goals for the Battery, earning key results down the stretch.
We caught up with Dante over the phone to find out a bit more about one of Charleston’s veteran leaders, from his biggest pet peeve to the best gift he’s ever received. Get to know Dante a little better off the pitch in this week’s Player Q&A.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Chadds Ford, PA
Q: What is one thing you have to have when traveling?
A: Clean Underwear.
Q: What would you be if you weren’t a professional soccer player?
A: I would be a Roller Coaster Engineer. I studied engineering at Northeastern University. Growing up I loved riding roller coasters but I was always too short so I would stuff socks in my shoes to give myself a couple more inches! It was always a dream job of mine when I was a kid.
Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
A: The most important play is the next one. Good soccer advice but also good life advice.
Q: Who is the best dancer on the team?
A: Phil. He doesn’t dance a lot but when he does, he’s got the best moves.
Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: Teleportation. How awesome would it be to be anywhere you wanted instantly.
Q: What is one thing that is overrated?
A: Grape Jelly, I like just peanut butter sandwiches.
Q: What is the best purchase you have made so far this year?
A: Tug, my new puppy. He’s a golden retriever, we just got him a couple of weeks ago. He loves napping in the day and keeping us up at night!
Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: People who don’t know how to merge.
Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
A: My Mom and Dad. Their support and sacrifices are something I appreciate so much. It’s really special when they are able to make it out for a game, I love seeing them in the stands.
Q: What was one thing that helped you through your recovery from surgery and do you have any advice for players that are going through the same thing?
A: Dreaming. The mental side is the hardest part of a recovery. It’s important to stay positive.
Q: Who is your favorite soccer player of all time?
A: Messi, he’s a lefty like I am. Quick and crafty like me too.
Q: Do you have any superstitions?
A: Not really but I will say I always have some Goldfish for lunch on game day.
Q: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be and what would you be doing?
A: The Sistine Chapel. Italy is a must-do vacation for me, especially since I have Italian Citizenship.
Q: What would be your karaoke song?
A: Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis
Q: What is your go-to goal celebration?
A: I never really had a go-to celebration until last year. Hopefully, the windmill will return this year. Scoring that first goal after my recovery last year was one of the highlights of my career so far, I’ll never forget that feeling.
