Athletics

How Dani Marks' past military experience shaped him into a leader

First-year student Dani Marks hopes to play soccer professionally someday. Credit: Penn State AthleticsAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- For Dani Marks first year being able to play on Jeffrey Field, he's already making a name for himself. This redshirt freshman has already claimed his spot as a regular starter for the men's soccer team.

However, Marks isn't your typical underclassman, before coming to Happy Valley he lived a completely different life compared to playing soccer for a Big Ten university.

Before Marks was able to move to the United States to pursue his soccer dream he was busy serving in the Israeli military.

"My overall experience of being in the military was good, it was tough but it was an interesting experience and it taught me a lot about myself," stated Marks. "The experience of being in the military really helps you grow up and mature faster.

However, Marks move from Ra'anana, Israel, to State College wasn't the first time he had to relocate. Originally Marks was born in London, England, and when he was three, then moved to Israel until he went to Switzerland for his education at 16.

After finishing high school he returned to Israel to serve his two-year term in the military at the age of 18.

"Every male in Israel is required to serve, it's something that demands a lot of physical and mental toughness but it shapes you into a stronger person," said Marks.

Despite all of Marks' major moves throughout his life, he always had his love for soccer.

"As my military time was coming to an end I decided I wanted to pursue soccer more and I knew some people who were playing in the United States so I reached out to them and I decided to go for it," said Marks.

When his two-year term was almost over, Penn State started to hear about Marks' soccer ability and immediately were interested.

"I got the chance to visit Penn State and I loved it right away, everything was perfect and I knew I wanted to come here and play," said Marks.

For Marks, visiting University Park was much more than being attracted to Happy Valley's charm or the soccer program, it was an eye opening experience to seeing his future take a path he never considered before.

"It's such a different experience for me being here now because all throughout my life I never saw myself going to college," stated Marks. "I didn't know until I was older that in America you can combine both academics and athletics so well and I really appreciate that and am thankful I can pursue both here at Penn State."

Outside of soccer, Marks is also committed to his academics and is currently majoring in journalism. Although he's focused on his studies, Marks plans on still pursuing a career in professional soccer.

"My dream is to play professional soccer, I know it'll be a challenge but I'm going to try my best. I've learned the best thing to do is not predict the future, so I'm going to enjoy my time now and keep working hard every day," said Marks.

Although this is Marks first year playing, he's definitely isn't the typical underclassman.

"Dani isn't your  typical underclassman by any means, he's mature and has had life experience that no everyone has had. I think through everything he's been through he radiates a perspective of life off him that's undeniable. Just by how he carries himself you don't get from every other guy we recruit," said head coach Bob Warming.

"We recruit character first, and Dani has more character than most people I've met," continued Warming.

Despite Marks being an underclassman, he shows a unique sense of maturity in his leadership.

"The military, although was tough, it shaped me into a leader and showed me what hard work really means. It's an experience I'll carry with me in every aspect of my life," stated Marks.

Last Updated October 7, 2015