Student Spotlight: RSL Academy grad excels on the field and in the classroom

By Jet Burnham | [email protected]

Tommy Silva is an outstanding student and a top-caliber soccer player at Real Salt Lake Academy High School.

“Academically, he is incredible; he's No. 1 in his class,” said academic counselor Lee Basquin. “Athletically, he is amazing. Tommy exemplifies what you'd want to see someone with these talents be.”

Baquin said because of his humility and genuine kindness, Tommy is respected on and off the field by both the coaches and the players.

The secret to Tommy’s success is his ability to create a positive environment and his focus on lifting others.

“If you want to achieve things in your own life, then first you have to be a good person and help the other people around you,” he said.

Although he is currently a top soccer player at RSLHS, Tommy had to work his way up. When he arrived from Arizona as a sophomore, he found stiff competition. With so many skilled athletes, he wasn’t getting the playing time he wanted to. But he kept a positive attitude and he worked hard.

“Every day I just brought really good energy,” Tommy said. “I was really upbeat, really enthusiastic, friendly to my teammates. I was putting that energy and positive influence out to my team.” Tommy soon became a starting player and then team captain.

This fall, he is attending UCLA to study environmental science and play for the men's soccer team.