Former club soccer standout Anthony Calvano could have surrendered his dreams of playing big-time NCAA soccer the first time he was cut at an open tryout for the Penn State soccer team.

Instead, he improved his game and awaited his next opportunity.

Calvano could have buckled the second time he was cut.

Instead, he sucked up his pride and anticipated round three.

After passing his third audition and finally making the soccer team, Calvano could have been content with just wearing the jersey and being a face in the team picture.

Instead, he worked his way into the starting lineup and is now one of the most consistent defenders on the squad.

And the Nittany Lions couldn't be more proud.

Calvano, a 2000 graduate from Centerville H.S. in Centerville, Ohio, was named first-team All-State and team MVP during his high school career. With big dreams and considerable talent, but no scholarship, Calvano decided to attend Penn State.

He tried out for the men's soccer team his freshman and sophomore years, but was passed over twice.

"He wasn't ready to make the team the first two times," Penn State soccer coach Barry Gorman said.

Calvano was disappointed and hurt, but his determination never faded. He remained a member of the club soccer team throughout his sophomore year and even contributed to the team's national championship in 2001. Calvano's love of soccer and desire to reach the next step fueled his motivation further.

"I dedicated myself throughout the off-season and stayed in great shape, because I really wanted to play at a higher level of competition," he said.

Calvano was mentally and physically prepared as the 2002 tryouts neared, but the odds were stacked against him.

"It is extremely hard to make it as a walk-on," Gorman said, adding, "It shows that if you're persistent and work hard you can find success."

Calvano earned the admiration of the coaching staff and worked his way onto the roster. He joined a team that had gone 14-5-1 in 2001, so it was not expected of him to play considerable amounts of time. After making appearances during the beginning of the season, he earned a starting spot on defense and was in the lineup for nine of the last 11 games.

Gorman, who has seen Calvano's progression as a player, attributes much of the defender's success to hard work.

"He's a great kid and brings a lot to the table," Gorman said. "He's a worker and plays to his strengths."

Calvano's goals for the 2003 season are clear-cut and firm. He does not want to allow a single goal from his side and hopes to see the Lions in the final four.

"[On defense] we need to tighten up and allow less goals," he said. "[As a team] we want to peak later in the season and play for the national championship."

Standing 5' 7'' and weighing 160 pounds, Calvano is not the biggest or best player on the field of play. But with the heart of a champion and an unmatched work ethic, he has become a dependable contributor and an inspiration.