Harriton goalie Daniel Katz is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The sophomore goalkeeper has posted five shutouts for Harriton (9-4-2 as of Oct. 14), including a 0-0 tie against powerful Lower Merion, their only non-win of the season (through Oct. 14). He has allowed less than one goal per game for the Rams this fall, and off the Harriton pitch is the goalkeeper for the Lower Merion Soccer Club Wanderers (U-17A boys) travel team. His goalie coach at Harriton is Alex Srolis, who was a four year starter for West Chester University and holds four career goalkeeper records there.

Q: As a goalie, does on-field communication with the defense play a big role in your success?

A: It is very important to communicate on field in order to make it easier for your defenders to understand their surroundings. Calling out runners making runs through our defense has prevented many break always, because after my communication the defenders picked up those players.

Q: Have you always played goalie? What sparked your original interest in the goalie position?

A: I used to play in the field until 7th grade, when my original goalie on my travel team quit, so I decided to take one for the team.

Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game as a goalie? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?

A: The strongest aspect of my game is reacting quickly on close shots, and I am currently working on coming off my line quicker.

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

A: I start off pregame with collapsing dives, crosses, and then shots within the 18.

Q: Who have been your biggest mentors as a goalie, and what was the most important thing you learned from each one?

A: My biggest mentors as a goalie have been [Harriton head coach] Biff Sturla, Alex Srolis, Mike Man, Charlie Smalls and Austin Sellhorn. They have all been great mentors who have always held me to high expectations, but helped me keep my head up when I made a mistake.

Q: You wear uniform jersey number 0. Why did you pick this number – was there a particular reason?

A: I wear number 0 because of Russell Westbrook, and the passion he brings to his game.

Q: What is your favorite course at Harriton? Is there a career path that particularly interests you at the present time?

A: My favorite subjects are sports and entertainment marketing, I don’t really have a career path that I’m chasing right now, but I hope it has something to do with sports.

Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Harriton?

A: I also play basketball and baseball – I try to stay involved with sports as much as possible.

Fun facts – Daniel Katz

Favorite TV show: The Office.

Favorite movie: The Dictator.

Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant.

Favorite team: Sixers.

Favorite place to visit: Israel. 

Person I most admire, and why: “I admire my best friend Zion the most because of the unselfish attitude he brings to life.”

Family members: parents Baruch and Franziska, sister Ariel, older brother Jonathan, younger brother Noah.

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)