He never stepped foot onto the soccer pitch during a game but for each of the last two seasons the Colorado Christian men's soccer team had an impact player on the sidelines.

Though not even a teenager, Joel Zamora had a pivotally role in the team's wellbeing and overall attitude. On Monday Joel succumbed to osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that required the partial amputation of his left leg.

Zamora was signed to the men's soccer program on Sept. 11, 2018 through Team IMPACT. Though he only spent two seasons with the program, his regular presence with the team was as highlight for the players and coaching staff.

"Through all that he was going through he showed a strength of character," said head coach Brad Camp. "In the face of what had to be scary for a young man, Joel never showed that in front of the guys. He loved being around of the guys and was such a resilient kid. He was such a strong young man and the example he set for the team to fight through the tough times is what we strive for our program.

"Joel reminds me of the importance we have as athletes and coaches. I'll never take coaching for granted and I hope Joel's resilience will rub off on the players as it did for me."

Joel was more than just a fan on the sidelines, he made a lasting impact on the players. Since signing with the team, players made sure to make him apart of their everyday lives.

"My favorite memory with Joel was during his 11th birthday party. Watching him run and play with everyone there was so much fun," said goalie keeper Bret Folks. "After everyone left it was just him and I and he challenged me to play Super Smash Bro's with him. Of course I accepted. That is when I learned just how competitive Joel was. He would wait for me to pick my character then he would choose whoever he could beat me easiest with based on my choice. That night I went 1-35, and he made sure I knew it."

Folks continued, "The impact that Joel had on the team was one that we needed as we are building the program. Every decision in his life was his own no matter how hard. He taught us all that no matter how hard life may be to always keep fighting, doing your best, and never giving up. Another huge impact is that Joel was always positive and had a smile on his face. Joel Zamora was and always will be a light for the Lord because he always proclaimed his power and glory.

As Joel joined the men's soccer family at Colorado Christian, the Zamora family quickly welcomed player-after-player into their home.

"There are a handful of moments that I'll remember," recalled goal keeper Zach Roberts. "First, before one of our games in the 2018 season, Joel threw out a couple of balls to help me warm-up before that game. It was neat, because it made him feel like he was right there alongside us getting ready for that game. It also reminded me personally to slow down and enjoy these moments, something that many college athletes don't do often. Second, I remember being invited to Bible studies at his house, fundraising events, and being able to visit him in some difficult moments of his life. As much as we tried to make Joel feel like a part of our team, he helped make us feel like a part of his family, and that is something I will never forget. Lastly, I will remember our Disney conversations, especially right before he passed. With my Disney background, I could talk Disney with Joel for hours on end, and I know he enjoyed every minute of it. Being able to share that unique connection with him, and see his face light up when talking about it, is something that will stick with me forever.

"Joel had a contagious personality around the team. When Joel walked in the room, you knew he was there. The room lit up, and the guys just swarmed Joel and his family," Roberts continued. "He didn't say much, and he was super shy around some guys. But you could feel that he cared about us, and that we cared about him. A lot of the guys would always stop to say 'hi' and give some high fives to Joel and his family. They came to support us in warm weather, cold weather, rain, snow, or shine; a true measure of how dedicated they were to the team. It was always neat to hear Joel's name be announced before gameday, and listen to the stadium erupt in applause. He was able to bring smiles, joy, and laughter in a way that I have never seen before."