Staples Connection: Kyle Martino ’99 And DJ Sixsmith Talk About Soccer And Life
Kyle Martino ’99 — former Gatorade National Player of the Year and MSL Rookie of the Year who earned 8 full national team caps — is now making a name for himself as an NBC Sports’ Premier League studio analyst. He also covered soccer during the Rio Olympics.
So it was fitting that Kyle was a guest recently on DJ Sixsmith’s “Season of Life” podcast. DJ is a 2011 Staples grad who — with a wealth of broadcast experience — is on a fast track to be the next Bob Costas.
DJ’s excellent questions brought out the best in Kyle. He talked passionately about his high school days, recalling the thrill of playing with his brother (Wes Martino ’97) and friends, in “the autumn of our lives.”
Kyle said that of all the stadiums he’s played in — around the world — Staples’ Hill remains one of his favorites.
After the University of Virginia, Columbus Crew and LA Galaxy, injuries derailed his career. Kyle shared with DJ his disappointment in never playing in a World Cup, and the “depression and identity crisis” that followed retirement.
He actually turned his back on soccer, Kyle said, before rediscovering his love for the sport — and finding his new career in sportscasting.
DJ also asked Kyle about his life as a father, and his recent move from Los Angeles to Weston. He spoke lovingly of the joy his wife Eva and daughter Marlowe bring him.
His professional goal is to be “the American soccer voice that kids grow up with.” But Kyle also wants his children to have “the same freedom” he had while growing up here, to pursue his dreams.
It’s a great interview — including one final question about life as the son-in-law of Susan Sarandon. You can hear it all by clicking here.
Kyle Martino, hard at work.
