Former Norwin High School soccer star Nathan Salsi used his experience and leadership to excel in the game throughout his high school and college career.

Now, the center back continues to offer his skills to his hometown professional team -- the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Football Club.

"I'm a Pittsburgh guy, so being able to perform for my city is a great feeling for me," Salsi said.

Salsi, 27, joined the Riverhounds in 2004 and has been named an All-USL Division II player two years in a row. He's well on his way to a third straight nomination as he has netted two goals this season as a defender.

Honors have come naturally to the former Norwin standout. He was a three-time All-Section and All-WPIAL player with the Knights before being picked as an All-Conference player and Regional All American at Duquesne University.

"Getting an opportunity to get the competitive juices flowing at a professional level has been an excellent experience for me," Salsi said. "Not to many people get to keep playing and having fun this long so I am certainly grateful for that."

While playing professional soccer has its perks, Salsi said it has its disadvantages, as well.

"It is tough having a full-time job and playing," he said. "Sometimes, you feel like you just aren't able to give the important people in your life enough of your time."

As a captain for the 1-9-4 team, Salsi thinks motivation and determination are the keys to good leadership.

"There are a bunch of different attributes that make up the prototypical captain, and I am not sure if I am that guy. What I really try to do is to understand and learn about the guys I play with," Salsi said.

"Understanding what motivates your team can be a very powerful tool. It can also be a tricky one when you have guys from all over the world playing with you.

"When it comes down to it though, you have to be a doer. You need to work the hardest and be the guy to put your neck out there for any one of your teammates. Once the guys see you will put it on the line for them, they will do the same for you."

When it comes to his inspiration to keep playing soccer, Salsi said it's the realization that his career will end some day that pushes him to play as much as he can now.

"The reality of the situation is when I am done this time, I am done forever. The motivation to lace the cleats up is still there for me, and that is more than enough to keep me playing."

Despite his talent, Salsi is content to stay in Pittsburgh and has no desire to play for any Major League Soccer teams.

"That (playing for the MLS) has never been an aspiration for me. I am very content living my life and being a part of the Riverhounds organization."

Like many other professional athletes, Salsi had help along his ride to the Riverhounds, and he encourages young players to practice hard and often and seek training from professional players and coaches.

"Not only do players need to practice, they need to receive training from people who really know what it takes to get to the next level," Salsi said.

"The Riverhounds and the Greentree SportsPlex provide that opportunity for kids of all ages.

"It is amazing to see how much better the kids get week to week at the youth academies. It is a great experience for players and for coaches to learn and develop as scholars of the game."

The Riverhounds Football Club will be back in action Saturday against Western Massachusetts at 7:05 p.m.

The game will be played at their home field, Chartiers Valley High School in Collier Township.

Follow Salsi and the Hounds online at www.riverhounds.com.