On November 8, Chris Natale, a defender for the Linganore boys’ soccer team became the first on his team to sign a National letter of intent with a college. Natale committed to continue playing soccer with his brother at Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. 

Natale has been playing soccer since he was just 4 years old and as long as 13 years, falling in love with the sport, stating “I just fell in love with it when I was younger, and I’ve just loved the sport ever since.” He also currently plays club soccer for Soccer Association of Columbia in Columbia, Maryland.

Natale also tried playing multiple other sports over the years before finally settling on soccer.

“He tried tee ball; he tried football, and he wrestled for many years and then [decided on] soccer,” Temple Natale said.

Chris Natale also played midfielder before moving to defender as he got taller.  

He said his older brother has been a big influence in pushing him to be the best player he can be and encouraging him to continue playing soccer in college. 

Natale believes that team camaraderie is necessary for a good team and that it can take you far in the sport. Linganore varsity boys’ soccer coach Zach Yurich reported that Natale is one of those players who everyone gets along with.

“He is always one of the kids who can make every single kid on our team laugh, keeps the mood up whether we win or lose [and] is the guy that we can turn to,”  Yurich said.

At Signing Day, Natale’s family shared what they thought about his accomplishment.

“[We are] pretty darn proud,” Temple Natale said. “I mean he worked hard; it’s all him.” 

At Wilson College, Natale is planning to major in criminal justice.