Player Feature: Quentin "Q" Benedetto
- Gareth Mullins
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Quentin “Q” Benedetto is the Men’s First Team’s star center back. Playing for Edgewater Castle FC for more than three years, Q has become a vital defender who has helped shape the Men’s First Team’s culture. In this part of our Player Feature series, Q talks about his college career, his love for pickleball, and his favorite memories at ECFC.
What’s your earliest memory of playing soccer, and when did you realize you wanted to play it in your adult life?
“My earliest memory was when I was playing at the park with my buddies, our dads on the sideline sharing a beer. Honestly I didn't want to [go pro]. I played [at Connecticut College], graduated, then started playing rec league at the fire pitch after graduation. Andrew then invited me to come out and try out for [Edgewater Castle] after seeing me play.”
What was the biggest challenge you faced on your journey to becoming a semi-professional soccer player?
“[The] biggest challenge for me was growing late. My junior year of high school I was 5’4”. I didn't hit 6’0” until senior year of high school. I think being a late bloomer was a horrible thing.”
Who has been the most influential coach or mentor in your career?
“[That] has to be my college assistant coach, who ended up being my college head coach. Really, all three years I played college, I started two games, maybe, and came off the bench every once in a while. So, just staying positive, trying to get better at soccer, being a locker room guy, and still training hard for three years [was my priority]. I think my assistant coach was the guy that kept me playing the sport.”
Is there a moment in your career you’re most proud of?
“We made the Elite 8 my junior year of college. I wasn't playing a lot, but I was a locker room captain, practice squad guy, and a fitness practice guy. Just the atmosphere of the NCAA tournament, it feels like there's paparazzi and a bunch of people there. It was cool to be in an atmosphere like that.”
What does your typical day look like during the season vs. during the off-season?
“In the off-season, I'm in the gym a ton. I fluctuate weight really easily. I put on probably 30 pounds of muscle and fat in the off-season. I'm in the gym four or five days a week just lifting. Kind of like a mini bulk. I work nine-to-five as a commercial real estate broker, so I'm usually up by seven, into work by eight, leave by six, eat, and go to bed.”
How do you handle pressure or nerves before big games?
“I love it. It depends on the atmosphere and the locker room that I'm in. A lot of times, on a team like this, where not everybody knows each other super well, in college everyone knows each other, everyone kind of zones in and does their own thing. In a place like this, you kind of want to bring everyone together. I’m more like the goofball before the game, but as soon as we need to lock in, we lock in. For me, it's being social on this team, whereas in college it was very headphones on, in the zone. So, I think it depends on the team atmosphere.”
If you weren’t playing soccer semi-professionally, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
“I think I'd be playing a lot of pickleball, probably spending more time with my girlfriend, and working more.”
Why did you join ECFC?
“Honestly [ECFC President and General Manager] Andrew [Swanson] was the main reason. I really wanted to keep playing competitive soccer. I'm a super competitive guy. I work in a competitive space in real estate and sales. I just wanted to stay competitive. If I can go do something competitive, other than going to work and coming home, that's huge. And Andrew offered me a chance to do that.”
What has been your favorite memory with the team?
“Honestly, I think it's the friendships I've made. The diverse nature of soccer as a whole, as well as the club, has been awesome. I've met so many cool people with cool stories. I think just the friendships I've made has been the biggest part aside from soccer.”
What is your favorite pregame song?
“‘Seeing Green’ by Drake and Nicki Minaj.”
Who’s your favorite soccer player?
“Messi.”
What’s your favorite pregame meal?
“Chicken thighs, a baked potato, and maybe a veggie.”
What advice would you give to young players who dream of going pro?
“For me, it was just keep playing, man. Like, you can't ever quit. It's gonna suck sometimes [that] you're not going to start, your coach isn't going to like you for a couple of years, you're not going to be playing the position that you like, but if you actually love the game, keep playing. You'll find your path. Keep playing. If you love it, you'll find your way.”
