Mount Dora Christian Academy football linebacker Michael “Mikey” Napoli has been on an incredible journey. 

His father passed away early in his life and his mother was diagnosed with kidney failure when Mikey was 10, but through it all his Uncle Sal Rosania has been a guiding light.

But Mikey didn’t see the light right away. Uncle Sal’s house was where Mikey was sent when he did something wrong.  

At first, Mikey feared his uncle. As time went on, the two began to develop a bond. The punishment of being sent to Uncle Sal’s house became a sort of sanctuary for Mikey over time. As Mikey and Sal bonded ever closer, the two became like father and son.

“I had never really experienced that kind of love until I truly started to bond with my uncle,” Mikey says. 

Sal could relate to the instability in his nephew’s life.

“I experienced emotional and psychological trauma as a child,” Sal says. “On some level, I understand the struggle that Mikey was going through. I lived in 18 foster homes as a child from the age of 12 to 15 years old. I also went to eight different schools but still managed to graduate high school in just three-and-a-half years.”

Sal graduated from Eustis High School and joined the Marines at 17. After serving in our armed forces, Sal worked as a firefighter and EMT. He then began some business ventures, including his latest, 911 Concrete Pumping & Services, a highly successful Lake County business. 

“I see what my Uncle Sal went through, and we just sort of bonded,” Mikey says. “I also see what he created for himself and that gives me so much motivation. I look at him and know that if he could make it through his situations then I can make it through mine.” 

Mikey’s respect for his uncle grew when Sal suggested that his nephew transfer to Mount Dora Christian Academy. There Mikey found more love and meaning. 

“I transferred to MDCA for my junior year to follow coach Ryan Wooden. He’s a huge inspiration for me and he’s always believed in me,” Mikey says. “I have also never had a coach like Kolby Tackett. He is so engaged and makes sure we are always good. He always reminds me why we play the game. Megan Ziegelhofer always gives me hugs and uplifts me. The first time I stepped on the MDCA campus, I was welcomed with open arms.”

Mikey began playing football a few years ago because he promised his grandfather he would play.

“It also helped me with pent-up aggression that had been building in me,” Mikey says. “When I started, I was a small, 140-lb. little kid. I wasn’t the biggest guy when I first started but I had a ton of heart.”

That stout heart served him well during a truly pivotal moment.

“I was told by a coach during my sophomore year of high school that I wasn’t good enough to go anywhere,” Mikey recalls. “Ever since that coach told me that, I told myself, ‘I am good enough to go somewhere. I have been working hard, I have gotten bigger, stronger, faster.’ And that motivated me more than anyone can ever know.”

Despite challenging times off the field, Mikey always kept up with his schoolwork — thanks to another caring adult.

“Despite some challenges off the field that I was dealing with personally, I kept my grades at a 4.4 GPA,” Mikey says. “I would usually spend time in the afternoons at my neighbors’ house, the Lopezes’. Mrs. Lopez became a mother figure for me and always made sure my grades were good. I would spend all afternoon at their house and after we finished schoolwork, I would get to play with her kids. The Lopez family was a beacon of hope for me.”

Uncle Sal felt the same way.

“I have so much respect for the Lopez family because they provided Mikey with a good place to study and be a kid,” Sal says. “Although Mikey had his challenges at home, the Lopez family was a saving grace for him and I can’t even begin to thank them enough.” 

Mikey decided to move in with Uncle Sal a few years ago as the bond between the two became even stronger. 

“When I went to Uncle Sal’s, he provided me with a peaceful place to study, a warm bed, warm meals, and stability. I can’t even begin to tell you how much of a blessing it was that he opened his doors and welcomed me into his home,” Mikey says. “My uncle shows up to practices and sometimes I don’t even know he’s there, but that’s the kind of love he shows. He’s always there when I need him and that’s something that you can’t take for granted.”

On the gridiron, Mikey is one of the top linebackers in the Sunshine State Conference. The 6-foot, 200-lb. senior made 17 tackles in just three quarters during the team’s spring football game. 

Playing football is a gift he doesn’t take lightly. 

“Nothing on the football field fazes me,” Mikey says. “Any injury, hit or challenge, nothing compares. Any little injury is miniscule compared to the challenges I have dealt with. I can handle anything.” 

Looking toward the future, Mikey hopes to play football in college and continue his academic career. 

Uncle Sal is sure his nephew will succeed. 

“I am so proud of the man he has become,” Sal says. “He’s not had it easy by any means, but I hope people see his story and can be inspired by it.” 

Mikey is certain to put up impressive numbers in his senior season, but he doesn’t play football for personal glory.

“The first three things I think about when I step out on that field are ‘glorify God, make whoever supports me proud, and if Joey was here how would he play?’” Mikey says. 

Joey is Mikey’s younger brother. The two don’t currently live together, but Mikey’s love for his brother endures. 

“I don’t always get to see my younger brother. He doesn’t get to come to every game but when he does show up and I see him, it’s like my body goes into turbo mode and I play extra hard for him,” Mikey says. 

Mikey has advice for people dealing with challenges in life. 

“Just know there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” he says. “You can’t make a tunnel without having two ways, so when you step into the tunnel you might see it’s dark, but if you keep walking and see a light, just go towards it, never give up. God does have a plan for you as long as you stay close to Him.”