TAMPA, Fla. — We've all had our share of challenges this past year, but for some folks, adversity leads to opportunity. Today's Beautiful Person is a youth soccer coach in Tampa that has taken a tough situation and turned it into inspiration for others.
"My mentality is to give opportunity to any youngster, any man, to have a chance to join the beautiful game of soccer."
For Carlos Marin, soccer is in his blood. His dad was a professional player and so was he. Now, he coaches.
"It is the most wonderful experience I have had in my entire life, being a soccer player, and now I want to transmit not just soccer, but the belief of living, loving yourself and believing in yourself."
Carlos doesn't even have to speak to send that message, just watching him play, you see how much he has overcome.
"My foot started falling asleep more and as I was playing during the game, they had to pick me up. It was my last game, I remember it was a Wednesday."
That was 2 and a half years ago. Doctors found a blood clot and Carlos lost his left leg. It hasn't been easy, but Carlos didn't let it keep him from the game he loves.
"But there's one thing I have inside of me, in my heart, in my gut is like you gotta do something more. You've got to do better, you gotta do better. You're here, you're still surviving, but you have to help others and do better."
He now coaches soccer, teaching kids more than just the game.
"If you fail it's ok. Keep going, look for something. Adapt. It's all about adaptation in life."
Adaptation and kindness. "The most important is give love, give love no matter who you are and just keep motivating people and that's it."
Carlos also volunteers with Tampa General Hospital's amputee support group. The hospital he credits with saving his life.