Congrats to Mateo Martinez on winning our February 2025 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Mateo is a defender for our Rapids 15B Rising Rapids Burgundy team. His coaches and teammates consistently praise his work ethic, coachability, and respect for others. They describe him as a humble and thoughtful player who assists his teammates and classmates when they need a hand.
Until this past season, Mateo played up a year and excelled with older teams, winning tournaments at his age level and with the 2014s. Most recently, Mateo helped his team win the Fall Skyline Cup at the Gold level. Mateo plays in indoor soccer leagues and with Rapids Futsal. In school, Mateo is very proud of how much he’s improved his reading skills, being awarded the ‘Cougar Kid of the Month for doing so. He is also an honor roll member. Outside of CRYSC, Mateo plays multiple sports and participates in many different school activities. In addition, Mateo is very close with his siblings, doing a variety of activities with them regularly.
What influence has soccer had in your life?
Soccer has been a huge part of my life. It’s taught me so much more than just how to play the game. It has helped me learn how to work with a team, how to keep trying even when things get hard, and how to be a good sport, win or lose. It has also helped develop skills in other sports like basketball and football.
Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?
I think I was nominated because I always try to be a good player and a good teammate. I enjoy practicing and always do my best. In the games I try to help my team win, but I also try to be supportive and positive. I pay attention to my coaches and follow their instructions to help me get better. I also have worked really hard in school to make sure I put up good grades and get better every year.
What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?
I love playing with my friends. The club offers so much with practice, games, camps or events like attending the professional Rapids soccer games. It’s awesome to be part of a team. I like that all of the coaches (outdoor, indoor, futsal) really care about us. They want us to do our best, and they help us when we’re struggling. It’s a really good club and the only club I have played for, I’m proud to be part of the Rapids.
What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?
The soccer accomplishment I’m most proud of is when I got to play on my older brother’s team and we won a tournament together. It was so cool! Not only was it fun to play with him, but celebrating the win together and bringing those medals home was amazing. We were so happy!
Also, getting nominated for this award is something I’m very proud of. When I read the email, I couldn’t stop smiling! It felt like all my hard work was being recognized, and that’s a really special feeling.
What academic achievement are you most proud of?
I’m really proud of how much I’ve improved my reading skills over the past year. All that hard work and extra practice paid off, because this school year, I was honored to receive the ‘Cougar Kid of the Month’ award. I was very happy to receive that award.
How do you think your teammates would describe you?
My teammates would likely describe me as a hard worker who’s also supportive and friendly. Someone that has good soccer skills and wants to get better. I always treat people with respect. Plus, I like to think that I am funny by sharing jokes.
What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?
One time, during a really important game, one of the players on the other team fell and looked like he was hurt pretty bad. I went over to check on him right away. I asked if he was okay and helped him sit up. Even though we were playing against each other, I knew he needed help. Also, whenever I can, I volunteer and like being part of my community. At school, my teachers always tell my parents that I’m thoughtful and caring. I try to be nice to everyone in my class.
What’s your favorite soccer player and team?
Right now Real Madrid is my favorite team and Kylian Mbappé is my favorite player. I also like rooting for France because of him. I also like Cristiano Ronaldo.
What do you hope to pursue in the near future?
I want to do well in school and work hard for a scholarship to be able to play soccer in college.
Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!
My biggest inspirations are my parents. They encourage me to be a better person and to give my best effort in everything I do. They provide me with a lot of support. I also look up to some of the world’s best soccer players, like Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé, and Pulisic. Watching them play motivates me to work harder but also have fun when playing.
What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?
Born in El Paso, Texas, Mateo moved to Denver, Colorado, with his family at the age of 4. As the middle child, he is sandwiched between his older brother Julian, 11, and younger sister Madelyn, 8, as he thrives from his bond with his siblings. They do everything together from spirited sports matches, doing homework together, competitive family game nights, playing video games or basement soccer battles. Beyond his playful nature, Mateo possesses a genuine kind heart, consistently demonstrating thoughtfulness and kind manners. He is also witty and loves sharing jokes that bring laughter with everyone that interacts with him.
Full name is Dylan Mateo Martinez but goes by Mateo.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
