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Quinn Mahoney’s journey with the Cal Poly men’s soccer team has been nothing short of remarkable.  

  

In under two seasons suiting up for the Mustangs, the sophomore has made his presence on the pitch known, earning the Big West Freshman of the Year award and leading Cal Poly to an historic season in 2024.  

  

However, Mahoney’s story goes beyond the accolades and accomplishments. It’s a tale of resilience, overcoming adversity, and the unwavering support of family, peers and teammates.  

  

Mahoney’s journey at Cal Poly began with a setback. During a playoff match in the Elite Club National League (ECNL), the forward from Sacramento, Calif., suffered two major neck injuries, forcing a redshirt season in 2023 to focus on rehabilitation.  

  

It was a challenging time as Mahoney and his support system grappled with the possibility of a collegiate career stopped short before it started.  

  

Amidst the uncertainty, Mahoney found solace with help from  family, friends and the Cal Poly community.  

  

“The concussion and neck injury was a tough time for not just myself but also my family,” Mahoney said. “The conversation of possibly medically retiring was really hard, but I’m grateful for the amazing Cal Poly medical staff and the coaches we have here. They are fantastic. It was extremely hard, but I was able to lean on my family and friends, especially my teammates, who helped me get over that bump in my life.” 

  

Mahoney credits his teammates and coaches pushing him to be the best version of himself, on and off the field. 

  

“Last season taught me to dig deep when things got hard,” Mahoney said. “Winning Big West Freshman of the Year meant a lot to me, but really, it was learning from my older teammates, the way they carried themselves, how they treated their teammates, and going into each game with the right mindset. It was about getting myself right, but also my teammates.” 

  

With a mindset focused on growth and improvement, Mahoney emerged from the setback as a stronger and more resilient player. 

  

In the 2024 season, Mahoney made a significant impact on the field, becoming the team leader in goals and assists, helping the Mustangs achieve its best season in nearly a decade while earning individual accolades. However, Mahoney remains humble and credits the success to the collective effort of the team. 

  

"Last season was special for the team and program as a whole. I may have led in a category, but ultimately, it was the team's success. It was because of the people around me. I'm surrounded by such talented players, and our success really came from our defense last year. We were statistically the second-best defense in the country, so that really played the biggest role in last year's success. Everyone was just very bought into our game plan, and we executed really well on what our coach decided on those games." 

  

Mahoney's hunger for success and willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve it is evident in his approach to the game. 

  

"For what I want to be known as is just a hardworking, team-first player that does everything he can to win. And I think what makes this program so special is that everyone on my team can say the same thing." 

  

Mahoney's time at Cal Poly has not only provided him with valuable experience but also instilled the importance of consistency and attention to detail. 

  

"Last season taught me how important consistency and the little details matter. Winning Big West Freshman of the Year meant so much to me and my teammates, but ultimately, learning from my older teammates, the way they carry themselves, how they treat their teammates and go into each game with the right mindset was invaluable. It's not just about getting yourself right, but also your teammates." 

  

As Mahoney continues to grow as a player, he understands the significance of leadership and the impact it can have on a team's success. 

  

For Mahoney, his motivation as a Division I athlete is deeply rooted in the support and belief of his family, friends, and teammates. 

  

"Your why as a Division I athlete can be anything. It's why you show up each and every day, wanting to work and better yourself and your teammates. For me, my why is always going to be my family, friends and teammates — just working for the people that really believed in me." 

  

Mahoney's dedication to loved ones and desire to make them proud fuels the drive on the field and keeps the focus on achieving greatness. 

  

Looking ahead, Mahoney and his team have ambitious goals for the 2025 season. They aim to earn the right to represent the league on the national stage and advance to the NCAA tournament. However, Mahoney recognizes the importance of taking each day and game at a time, focusing on the little details that contribute to overall success. 

  

"The main focus we are striving for is taking each day at a time, taking each game at a time as well. We definitely have big goals, but those will only come if we handle the little things correctly. Ultimately, our goal this season is to win The Big West again and advance into the NCAA tournament so we can compete on a national stage. But right now, we're just taking each day at a time and getting better." 

  

Mahoney's commitment to improvement and his understanding of the team's collective effort will be instrumental in achieving these aspirations. 

  

Off the field, Mahoney is pursuing a major in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration, with a focus on sport management. Mahoney is drawn to this field because it allows him to remain connected to the sports industry, which has been a significant part of his life. 

  

"No matter what my journey is after college, I still want to be a part of the sport life, and with this major, I can really fall into that." 

  

For Mahoney, sports are not just a passion on the field but also a career path that he is excited to explore. 

  

Quinn Mahoney's journey as a Division I athlete is a testament to resilience, determination and love for the game. 

  

From overcoming major injuries to becoming a key player for Cal Poly, Mahoney's story is one of triumph over adversity. 

  

The emphasis on consistency, attention to detail, and the importance of teamwork and leadership sets the foundation for success. With the support of family, friends and teammates, Mahoney continues to strive for greatness, both on and off the field. 

  

Looking to the future, Mahoney's dedication to loved ones and his passion for sports will undoubtedly propel him to even greater achievements.