The 2026 football season is about more than wins and accolades for Marion’s Hitch Soyez. It’s an opportunity to share one final campaign with the teammates who have been by his side since childhood while chasing a place in the school’s record book.
“I am most excited to be able to play and compete one last time alongside the friends I have grown up playing with,” Soyez said.
After an impressive junior season, Soyez enters his senior year as one of the leaders of the Warriors’ defense. He earned first-team all-league honors at linebacker after recording 95 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick in just nine games.
His offseason, however, has centered on more than football drills. Soyez has spent months working his way back from a knee injury suffered last season.
“I have been focusing on getting stronger and getting my knee back to 100% from last year’s injury,” he said.
As his health has improved, Soyez has turned his attention toward becoming an even more instinctive defender. Rather than relying solely on athletic ability, he’s emphasizing the mental side of the game in hopes of making an even bigger impact.
“I am wanting to improve on reading my keys so I can fly to the ball faster and make more plays that can change a game,” Soyez said. “I have been working on foot work and conditioning to be able to get around easier throughout the game.”
Those improvements could help Soyez accomplish one of his biggest personal goals before his high school career comes to an end.
“The goal I am chasing is the single-season tackling record at Marion High School,” he said.
While individual milestones would be meaningful, Soyez’s primary focus remains on team success. He hopes Marion can put together a deep postseason run and make the most of its experienced senior class.
“The goal for the team is to make a run in the playoffs,” Soyez said.
