Damon Almazan, professional footballer for Chicago House AC, has built his career on discipline, consistency, and self-directed growth. From his hometown of Joliet, Illinois, to playing professionally across the United States, Brazil, Sweden, and Australia, Damon’s journey reflects dedication and resilience at every step.
This season, YESOUL highlights him among five football athletes to demonstrate how “Move on Your Terms” can inspire anyone, on or off the pitch—showing that progress comes from commitment, focus, and staying true to your own path.
Damon Almazan: From Childhood Passion to Global Football Journey
Damon began playing football at just 3 years old in Joliet, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Inspired by his father, who also played the sport, he developed an early connection to the game that quickly turned into structured training by the age of 8.
At 19, Damon signed his first professional contract, launching a career that would take him across the United States, Brazil, Sweden, and Australia. He later returned to the U.S. and currently represents Chicago House AC while also exploring opportunities in modeling and content creation.
For Damon, football has always been a lifelong commitment shaped by early discipline and continuous self-improvement.
Training Every Day With Structure and Intent
Damon trains seven days a week, often completing two sessions per day depending on team schedules.
His team training sessions are usually held around 6 PM, so he structures his personal sessions in the early morning to ensure recovery time and preparation for evening training.
“I usually train twice a day—gym or running before team training,” he explains. “At a high level, you need to stay in shape all season.”
His training includes a mix of:
- Early-morning cardio sessions
- Gym-based strength training
- Football-specific technical work (dribbling, passing, shooting)
- Team training in the evenings
A key part of his routine is cardiovascular conditioning. He often performs solo runs in the early morning, including Zone 2 or low-intensity sessions designed to build endurance and maintain aerobic base.
During these runs, music plays an important role. Damon listens based on mood, using it to stay focused and mentally engaged throughout the session.
Motivation and Mental Resilience
Damon describes himself as highly self-motivated, shaped by years of consistent effort and discipline.
“Honestly, I rarely wanted to quit training because I come from struggle,” he says.
Even during difficult periods, his focus has remained steady. He has trained continuously since childhood, building habits that have carried him through a professional career across multiple continents.
When reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes long-term consistency:
“All the hard work does lead to success. Keep going because it’s worth it.”
Advice to Younger Athletes
Looking back, Damon believes patience is one of the most important lessons in development.
“I would tell my younger self that all the hard work does pay off,” he shares.
He also encourages athletes not to fear setbacks, viewing them as part of growth rather than failure. Stepping back temporarily, in his view, can often lead to stronger long-term progress.
What “Move on Your Terms” Means
For Damon, “Move on Your Terms” is about ownership and self-direction.
“It’s YOU versus YOU,” he explains. “You’re the only person in your own way.”
He believes success comes from choosing your own path, committing fully to it, and staying consistent regardless of external pressure.
He also reframes setbacks in a positive way:
"It’s okay to take a step back from training because it means you can take five steps forward."
Takeaway
Damon Almazan demonstrates that elite performance is built through daily discipline, not occasional effort.
From starting football at age 3 to competing professionally across four countries, his journey reflects consistency, structure, and self-driven growth.
The athlete mindset is not limited to professionals. Anyone can move on their terms by building routines, training with intention, and staying committed to long-term improvement.
This football season, how will you move on your terms?
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