After a spirited season last fall, the Boys Varsity Soccer team recently returned from summer vacation to begin practicing for the coming season. With their first match a little over a week away, this year’s Boys Varsity Soccer captains spoke about their aspirations for the fall.
Senior Sergio Luna said his main goal is to make it to the playoffs this year, after missing that chance in recent years. “[We will accomplish this goal] by training and pushing [our team] to [our] limits,” he said. As captain, he will take a central role in that process.
“Being captain is like being the running engine of the team… I try my best to keep team morale high… and motivate my teammates,” Sergio said.
August also said he plans on achieving the goal of doing well in the regular season to make it to the playoffs.
He said, “I hope to work hard every game and try to lead by example.” As a junior who is currently in his third year of varsity, he said he wants to set the right example by making sure all players are dedicated at every practice and at all games.
Lastly, the newly added captain Tristan spoke about what the role means to him. As this is his first year as captain, he said, “[Being captain] means that I am trusted by both the coach and the players to represent them, and more importantly that they trust my judgment and lead both on and off the pitch.”
Boys Varsity Soccer Coach Curiale said, “I picked these [players] because they love soccer and have a passion for the game. This passion can be contagious and that’s what I want my team to be: passionate about their sport.”
According to Coach Curiale, each of the captains’ passions will lead and guide the team through being one as he wants “to build a team that has […] a family-like aspect.”
Coach Curiale said, “My goal is to adjust the teams practice sessions to a station type format. For example, Station 1 – passing, station 2 foot skills, station 3 – shooting. Having 3 seasoned captains to assist will be an asset to the team.”
Freshman Renzo Martinez said, “[The captains help me grow] by giving me constructive feedback, keeping me accountable and setting an example of how we should be as players.”
“[These goals] can only happen if the captains act as an extension of the coach and lead, support, motivate, and inspire young players to develop a strong team spirit,” said Coach Curiale.
