Lynbrook Player Makes His Mark on L.I. Soccer

Lynbrook High School senior Andrew Marks capped off a solid three-year varsity soccer career by being selected to the 2010 National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s Scholar All-Eastern Region Team. 

Eligibility requirements for student-athletes include carrying a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or better, making significant contributions to the team, and performing community service. Just 32 players from nine states comprise the All-Eastern Region Team. Marks, a two-time All-Conference honoree, was the only player in Nassau County to be selected. 

Marks was honored to be named to the All-Eastern Region Team. “I was very excited when I was told that I was selected, because of what it represents,” Marks said. “I know how important it is to do well in school, and how difficult it is to balance athletics, academics, and a social life. I give a lot of credit to my parents, my brother, my coaches, and my teachers.” 

Athletic accomplishments weren’t limited to the soccer pitch for Marks. He has also earned All-Conference recognition on the track, and All-League on the baseball diamond. Marks holds the school record for the 55-meter dash. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury has kept him off the track this winter. 

Marks hopes to play soccer in college. With a weighted average of 97.91, NYU, Elon University, the University of Connecticut, Drexel University, and Muhlenberg College are all being considered. Marks, who also received the Senior Scholar Athlete Award from the Nassau County Boys Soccer Coaches Association, is a member of the National Honor Society and president of the Spanish Club. 

Lynbrook soccer coach Josh Berlin is proud of his senior captain. “Andrew is a conscientious, hard-working student-athlete from a great family,” Berlin said. “It’s been a pleasure to be able to coach him. His hard work in the classroom translated to the soccer field. His character and leadership are exactly what is needed in youth athletics. Andrew will be a tremendous success in whatever he chooses to do.” 

Earlier in the school year, the , which is sponsored by Deloitte and Thrive Foundation for Youth. Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson is the organization’s national spokesperson. Honorees are student-athletes who have a positive impact on their sport by making themselves better players, helping teammates to perform better, and honoring the game. Marks was one of four winners selected from a group of 20 finalists in the New York metropolitan area. 

Marks, who is leaning toward pursuing a business or accounting degree, believes he’s very fortunate. “I’m lucky to have parents who have taught me the importance of academics, and a brother who set the example by doing very well in high school,” he said. “All the coaches I have had here at Lynbrook have always supported me, and pushed me to be the best I can be.”