Luis

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Being able to express my emotions through a sport, even after having a bad day I know once I step on the field with my teammates I’ll be feeling way better. In soccer , I can compete and challenge other players at the same time challenge myself and push myself to get better and better. Being the captain of a team taught me how to become a better leader and companion for not only my teammates but the people around me.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

One person who always inspired me off the field was my father, my father never had it easy in life but he always stayed persistent and focused on what he wanted and that was giving us the best he could, so when I think of someone I wish to be it is my father for his hardworking mentality and determination. He never let anyone punk him or tell him no and so when I’m playing a game I think of him and never back down from a challenge or let anyone put me down.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

Ricky is a competitive, enthusiastic and devoted player, some have told me and look at him as aggressive or “too competitive”, but he has a very kind heart, in and out of the field. A moment we were very proud of him was when he was back and forth, shoulder to shoulder with another player till a clean move put the other player on the floor, took a while for him to get up, Ricky went back help him to get up, fist bump, hugged him, laughed together and continued playing. Parents clapped for it.