Eddy Marin stands next to mother as he accepts the CalHOPE award. **Photo by Dylan Ryu**

On Saturday, March 15, Santa Clara Broncos men’s soccer goalkeeper Eduardo “Eddy” Marin ’26 was honored during the San Jose Earthquakes match as one of the recipients of the CalHOPE Courage Award for February. The award honors California collegiate athletes for overcoming impressive mental stress associated with injury and/or hardships.

In October 2023, Marin was involved in a life-threatening scooter accident when he was struck by a car near campus. The accident resulted in blindness in his right eye, hearing loss in his left ear, a broken wrist and an aneurysm that required surgery—the first of six procedures he underwent in the ensuing weeks. This devastating incident occurred just days after his collegiate debut against Stanford, where he recorded four saves and stopped a penalty kick.

Marin poses with his Bronco teammates as they celebrate at the ceremony. **Photo by Dylan Ryu**

It was quite the road to recovery for Marin, who was forced to sit out his entire junior season as a result of his injuries. But, he refused to give up and let his injuries sideline him from his teammates. Marin remained engaged in team activities, and his energetic spirit did not go unnoticed; last spring, he received the athletics department’s DJ Frandsen Award, given annually to the student-athlete who uses courage, perseverance and spirit to overcome adversity and serve as a role model for hope and inspiration.

Marin has now been medically cleared to get back on the pitch and resume his training. In a press release from the CalHOPE Courage Award, Marin said, “This experience has tested me in every way, but my faith and the people around me have carried me through. I share my story to inspire others—because miracles do happen.”

Marin is the second Santa Clara University athlete to win the award—last spring, Cole Kitchen ’23, M.S. ’24, a former ace pitcher, was a winner.

Marin shares February’s honor with California State University Long Beach volleyball player Natalie Glenn. The award foundation will make a $1,000 donation in Marin’s name to support mental health services at Santa Clara University.