Personal Statement

Personal Statement by Danny Cantarella / X @DCantarella26 / 817-789-5210  4.5 STAR Kicker/Punter

I’m a 6’3”, 220 lb senior from Dallas, TX, with a 4.0 GPA and a lifelong soccer background, now fully committed to becoming an elite football kicker. I officially began training on March 1, 2025, and within one week earned a 4-Star ranking at my first Kohl’s event. By May, I advanced to 4.5 Stars through hard work with top coaches including Anthony Giugliano, Gavin Dugas, and Brian Egan the National Director of Kicking at One on One Kicking  (coach of Dallas Cowboys’ kicker Brandon Aubrey from Colleyville Tx - also a converted soccer player).

I have a strong faith and I've focused on being a truly good friend to people, a good steward of my school and community, and I come from a large family successful in sports, the US military service (father a US Naval Academy grad - Navy Football player),  business, and life - I've been brought up the right way with Christian virtues of love, service to others, and loyalty.  I seek to play college football because I truly love the sport, the art and science of kicking (and soon to be punting also), and the team camaraderie.  While I strive to be the best teammate, football player, and citizen I can be - I'm less concerned about Division 1, 2 or 3 - I just want to develop/improve and play!  I am ready to earn everything!

I’m competing this fall as the starting varsity kicker and aiming to earn my 5th star by July 30. I bring long range, fast adaptation, and a relentless drive to improve.

Key Highlights:

• 4.5-Star Kicker (Kohl’s) – Ranked nationally after just 2 months of training
• Charted Consecutive 56-Yard Field Goals at March 8 Kohl’s Dallas Camp (in wind/rain)
• Kickoffs consistently 69–75 yards, increasing hang time and accuracy
• Training Full-Time with Kohl’s Academy and nationally known Coach Brian Egan
• Kohl’s National Scholarship Invitational Invitee – July 19–20, Gatlinburg, TN
• Multi-Sport Athlete – Award-winning soccer player known for power, outside power shots, and vision

Academic & Character Background:

• 4.0 GPA | Class of 2026
• Committed to virtue-driven leadership: grit, humility, integrity, and being a great teammate
• Active in church and charitable service
• Coachable, disciplined, and calm under pressure
• Passionate about learning, self-improvement, and making a positive impact

Beyond Football:
Founder of Danny Drives, a media brand focused on high-performance cars. This is a significant business interest of mine that I've had since a young boy and I am positioning to be an eventual entrepreneur in the space for the long term. Thus I am seeking a college with a sharp and practical business degree. I’m also a trained pianist, performing regularly at public events and church services — a skill that’s helped me develop poise and focus under pressure.

Respectfully:
📱 817-789-5210
X: @DCantarella26
📍 Will be at Kohl’s National Invitational Showcase – July 19–20 (Gatlinburg, TN)