By Jessica Correa—

After asking some questions to both senior captains of the Varsity Soccer Team, Christian Arriaga and Robert C. Chavez, is clear that both have an amazing passion for this game.

Christian Arriaga plays center defensive middle. He started playing soccer at the age of 11 and since then he fell in love with this sport. “Soccer is like my escape from reality and just playing the game calms me down,” said Arriaga. Robert Chavez is a midfielder. He’s been playing this sport since he was little, although being forced by his dad to play at first; he ended up loving the game. “…as time passed I started playing more and more and now it’s my passion,” said Chavez. Coach Fazio explained that his captains were selected because they are true role models, leaders on and off the field, always putting their teammates first.

However, not only the captains show excellence. Fernando Calixto playing right defense shows many of those qualities. “In my 7 years as head Varsity soccer coach, he’s the one kid all others should aim to become; well mannered, respectful, hardworking, dedicated and a good student,” said Fazio. Calixto has been playing since he was 5 years old. “I really love this game. All my family members have been playing this sport. Soccer is my passion.”

All of them agreed that it has been a challenging season for both the coaches and the players, both physically and mentally. “One of the greatest challenge I have encountered this season is being a senior and having all the younger players look up to me, knowing that I can’t mess up…,” stresses Arriaga. There have been a lot of obstacles that the guys have overcome from having nine players in the field to trying not to give up when the other team scores. However, this team knows how to stick together, to have the heart for the game. “…if we all step it up we can accomplish anything,” expressed Chavez.

Some advice for students that might want to join the sport:

Coach Fazio: “Soccer is for you if you’re in it for all the right reasons. Athletes need to be eligible meaning doing well with their academics, committed which is making to all practices and games. Last but not least: Coachable, respectful and well founded.”

Christian Arriaga: “If you’re planning to join this sport be ready to do a lot of conditioning training, working hard and being able to play as a TEAM and remember, no matter how hard things get keep your head up and keep working hard. Good things are bound to happen.”

Robert Chavez: “I wish the best for every player. Always play with everything. Leave it all out on the field. Don’t let anything stop you from winning and no matter how difficult the season might get, NEVER GIVE UP!”

Fernando Calixto: “If you are going to join be ready, this sport is very physical. You have to be ready to do a lot of exercise and a lot of conditioning. If you join this sport, work hard and never give up. Always play with your heart.”