7 Questions With Shea Salinas
My friend Shea Salinas is a man I want you to get to know better. The swift Midfielder for Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes is also a great husband and dad, and a man who gives a lot of time to serve our city. My sons watch Shea play soccer on ESPN or at the stadium on a Saturday, then the next day they have Shea teaching their Sunday School class and teaching them new soccer moves. On and off the field, Shea is a hard-working, humble, passionate leader.
1. How many miles do you run during the course of a soccer match?
I usually run between 7 and 9 miles a game, and about 4-5 miles in a practice.
2. I love the new Avaya Stadium, it’s a great place to watch a game as a fan. What’s it like for you to play in the new stadium?
Avaya Stadium has been amazing. Playing there has been a huge upgrade from our old stadium at Santa Clara University. It's a thrill playing in that stadium. I remind myself before every game as I take the field that I have the best job in the world.
3. On game day, how do you prepare for a game? Do you have any rituals or habits that help you get "in the zone” and ready to play?
I try not to have many rituals. I don't like being controlled by habits or superstitions. With that being said, I do try to follow some guidelines. I usually eat pasta the night before the game. On game day I have a big meal 4 hours before kick off. As far as getting pumped up, I listen to Christian rap as I get dressed (Andy Mineo, and Lecrae mostly). The biggest constant for me on game day is prayer. I have intentional times of prayer leading up to a game. I pray in the shower as I'm getting ready, I pray in the locker room just before we take the field, and I pray during the national anthem before kick off.
4. The Earthquakes are off to a good start this season. How are you feeling about this season?
I think we have a very good team. This is probably one of the deepest teams I have played for, meaning we have great depth in almost every position. I think that will win us a lot of games over this long season. Personally, it's been an interesting season so far. I feel like I am playing really well, but I have not gotten as many minutes as I would like. I am happy that I am playing well and I know I have to be ready for the minutes I do get.
5. What’s the greatest honor or compliment you’ve received as an MLS player?
Tough one. I was honored when Landon Donovan came up to me after a game and said, "Great game Shea!" I was surprised and excited that he knew my name!
I have also had the coach of the opposing team come up to me and few times and say, "Man, you were really good tonight."
I have been Humanitarian of The Year 5 times in my 8 years in the league. I enjoy visiting schools and talking with kids about the importance of eating healthy and exercising. Teams have recognized this and honored me with the humanitarian award.
6. Tell us about some of the work you do in the community, helping youth in Silicon Valley.
I should have read ahead. I help run a program called Get Earthquakes Fit. We go to schools and teach kids the importance of eating healthy and exercising. I have probably visited one hundred schools by now.
I also enjoy sharing my story when asked. I've had the opportunity to share about what Jesus has done in my life to many FCA and Cru groups including Santa Clara University, Stanford, and San Jose State. I have also spoken to many youth teams and sports camps about my faith and how it has played a huge role in my life.
7. How does your relationship with God impact how you compete as an MLS athlete?
God has a huge impact on how I prepare, compete, and react.
Prepare: I no longer get nervous before games. I know all I can control is how hard I work and God takes care of the rest. I don't have to worry about the result. "Prepare the horse for battle, but victory rests in the LORD." Proverbs 21:31
Compete: I try no longer compete to impress my coach or the audience. I work hard for an audience of One. And I work hard out of gratitude for what I have been given, not to earn more of God's favor. Colossians 3:23-24
React: I used to be super prideful when I played well or really down when I played poorly. God's grace has caused me to win with humility and lose with pride. It's allowed me to be a much more consistent soccer player.
For more:
Get tickets to the next Earthquakes game, watch Shea and the Earthquakes in action.
For more information on Shea and the coaching he provides (which is on hold right now), check out his website.
Follow Shea on twitter.