Responses have been lightly edited for length, understanding and style.
Ninth graders Alexander Yamini and Santiago Bravo have been fiercely committed to soccer all of their lives, engaging in both club and school teams. After years of hard training and competition, their commitment has paid off as they become members of the varsity boys soccer team. As some of the youngest members on the team, Alex and Santi bring talent to their starting positions in the midfield. After their summer practices, a team bonding trip in Michigan and their first win, Alex and Santi reflect on how their newfound relationships with their teammates have improved their high school experience.
What do you like about soccer?
Santi: I like the environment, especially how it feels and the passion.
Alex: I like when you kick the ball causing an assist or scoring a goal. Everyone goes to celebrate that goal.
What was it like to play futsal as an eighth grader?
Alex: That was fun, because especially with the seniors last year, they were super fun to play with. And everyone is super nice here, and it was a super cool environment to play in.
Santi: It was kind of challenging, but it was so much fun.
What was it like to start the soccer season without starting high school?
Santi: I wasn’t sure if I was going to be playing, or get any playing time, but once I saw that the coach trusted me enough, I was very proud and excited for the season to come.
Alex: As a freshman I did not think I would get as much playing time as other juniors or seniors, but it really worked out.
How has soccer affected your high school experience so far?
Santi: We have connections now in school. Our relationships went from not knowing each other to being family and being together, which was very amazing.
Alex: Soccer has helped me so much already, especially that Michigan trip. I love everyone on our team.
Have you learned anything about leadership?
Alex: Looking at Danny (Aronsohn) and Noah (Hoereth), I think I learned a lot about being calm and knowing what to do.
Santi: If someone makes a mistake, it hits the captains, too, as if they were the ones who made the mistake.
Have your teammates done anything to take you under their wing?
Santi: Mo (Iyi-Ojo) Ty (Quiles) and Danny (Aronsohn) have. Whenever I’m lost and I don’t know my way, because I joined last year, they help me around and talk to me in the halls, which makes it very fun.
Alex: Danny, of course. He’s super supportive.
What is it like being some of the few freshmen on the team?
Santi: Before the Michigan trip, practicing with the upperclassmen made me nervous, but after the Michigan trip, I trust everyone a lot more, and I know them a lot better.
Have there been any highlights or memorable moments for you so far this season?
Santi: Winning our first game, because everyone just got together and celebrated. The emotions were all over the place. We went from being stressed and nervous to being extremely happy.
Alex: Winning our first game was so cool and super fun, when Spencer (Davis) scored last minute.
What is the team environment like?
Santi: It’s amazing.
Alex: People are super nice. Like, it’s just great to be around them.
What are some of the things that you have learned from the upperclassmen that have improved your experience or you think will help you in the future?
Santi: I’ve learned many new soccer skills, but unrelated to soccer, they gave me lots of advice about how to manage sports and school work.
What are some of your personal goals or goals for the future on this team?
Santi: I want to build and get better for the team and for us personally.
Alex: Win state.
