Preston Kissinger has two favorite places: the pocket and the pond.
When he’s not leading the Golden Eagles Varsity Football team by slinging touchdown passes on Friday nights, he’s either hanging out with friends or out somewhere trying to convince a fish to bite. As quarterback #4, Preston combines the serene calm and patience he learned on the lake with his sharp instincts and just the right amount of competitive fire to thrive under pressure on the field.
“I’ve always loved football,” Preston said. “I kept begging my parents to sign me up.” Preston has been playing tackle football since the third grade, so football is more than just a game for him: it’s been a decade-long journey of growth, resilience, and unforgettable memories.
His path to becoming Frederick High’s starting quarterback started back on that grade school team. At his very first practice ever, the coach asked who wanted to try out for quarterback—Preston volunteered to try without thinking much of it, but that one decision would shape the next ten years of his life. Preston said, “I got picked to start, and I’ve loved it ever since.”
When he’s not on the field, Preston enjoys the simpler things in life, like fishing. While football is played on artificial turf under artificial lighting and pounds of protective equipment, fishing is freeing for Preston, as it lets him connect with nature and relax. This balance of competitive fire and grounded leisure is Preston’s secret to being a strong leader both on and off the field.
As a quarterback, Preston carries the weight of leadership every game, and he handles the pressure. “I try to stay as calm as possible and not let my emotions take over. If a QB shows too much frustration, it can bring the team down. I try to lead by example.”
Leading by example is something he learned from his dad, whom Preston credits as his biggest role model. “He keeps pushing me to get better and grow as a human every day,” Preston says. Preston’s father instilled common sense values and a healthy work ethic in him early on, which he sees pay off in every yard Frederick gains. Oh, and his father was naturally the one that taught him how to fish.
As much as Preston is loving his senior year, nothing has yet managed to top attending the Western Football Camp during his sophomore year. It was a pivotal experience not only in his skill development but also in team bonding, and it’s something Preston holds close to his heart.
“Our team has a pretty strong bond,” he says. “We like to work with each other every day. Specifically us seniors—we’ve been playing together for 4+ years and have gotten closer and closer, making practice and games more fun because of that bond.”
As his season ramps up, Preston is soaking in every moment, every snap, every practice, and every Friday night under the lights… because he knows this will be his final season. “I don’t plan on playing after high school, but I’m excited for what’s next,” he says. Though his football chapter will close after high school, Preston’s future is filled with promise. He plans to attend community college for two years before transferring to a university to pursue a degree in physical therapy (DPT).
While Preston will soon be trading in the pressure of the pocket for pressure point massages, he hopes some things won’t change. Like the connection to his fellow players. And his drive to grow every day. And, of course, that the fish will be biting.
