Daniel Marques
NCAA Division I – Longwood University
Virginia
From: Christian Brothers Lewisham / Sydney
Athletic Scholarship – NCAA Division I (Big South)
The Journey
Daniel Marques’s journey from the hallways of Christian Brothers High School in Lewisham, Sydney, to the Big South Conference at Longwood University in Virginia is a story of determination, academic ambition, and a rich family football legacy. Daniel grew up steeped in football. His brother Chris Marques played soccer professionally in England with Nottingham Forest – a remarkable family connection to the professional game. Daniel followed his own path, developing at Christian Brothers Lewisham where he was a two-time Team Captain (2012–2013), 2013 Defensive Player of the Year, All-State XI selection in 2012 and 2013, and part of MCC Championship-winning teams in 2009, 2011, and 2013. His US college journey began at Fort Lewis College in Colorado (D2) before he transferred to Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia – a fully fledged NCAA Division I program in the Big South Conference. At Longwood, Daniel competed as a 6’2” midfielder across four seasons, accumulating 32 appearances and 15 starts while regularly facing D1 competition including games against George Mason and UNC Asheville. Off the pitch, Daniel majored in Exercise Science / Kinesiology and has gone on to build a career as a Fitness Instructor – combining his passion for sport and human performance in a way that reflects the well-rounded Upper 90 student-athlete experience. Daniel’s story is a reminder that the US college pathway rewards not just talented players, but those with the character and academic commitment to make the most of every opportunity.
Challenges Overcome
Transitioning from Christian Brothers Lewisham to the NCAA Division I level required significant physical development. Transferring from Fort Lewis (D2) to Longwood (D1) mid-career showed the ambition and self-belief that define the best Upper 90 alumni.
Achievements
NCAA Division I student-athlete at Longwood University (Big South Conference). 32 appearances, 15 starts across college career. 2x All-State XI at Christian Brothers Lewisham (2012, 2013). 2x Team Captain at school level. Professional family connection: brother Chris Marques played for Nottingham Forest (England). Post-graduation: Fitness Instructor / Kinesiology professional.
"Growing up watching my brother play in England, I always dreamed of playing at the highest level. Longwood and the US college system gave me that chance."
— Daniel Marques
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