Throughout high school many teens find an outlet or hobby that interests them. Some decide to continue on with their passions and others pursue different things. Junior Jordan Castro began playing varsity soccer his freshman year, and has continued with it ever since.

Prior to playing in high school Castro started in soccer when he was in elementary school. The encouragement from his friends played a large role in his decision to try it out.

“I’ve played three years of varsity soccer and two years in elementary,” Castro said. “I decided to play soccer in high school because a lot of my friends told me that playing a sport in high school is a lot of fun, and gives you a better high school experience.”

Although many athletes play many different positions, Castro has played the same position through his whole soccer career.

“My first year of high school soccer I was put as an outside mid-fielder, and I have played it ever since,” Castro said. “I like playing outside mid because it requires a lot of endurance, which I have. I think I have improved a lot since freshman year. My coach, Matt Markarian, actually said that we should show a video of me trying to kick a ball as a freshman, and then a video of me now, its an unbelievable transformation.”

Castro recollects on his past experiences with the team. With some great memories he also reminisces on embarrassing moments.

“My favorite thing about soccer is being able to hit people without pads on,” Castro said. “The most memorable moment for me was when I scored a goal in the Garces tournament this year against Kern Valley. The most embarrassing thing that happened to me was in a game when I messed up on a throw-in by lifting my foot twice consecutively.”

With the many struggles that comes from playing a sport Castro has continued to play because of the encouragement from his teammates.

“The most influential person that helped is Juan Ruelas,” Castro said. “He told me things I needed to work on, and he was always very encouraging. He would never take his frustrations out on the team. I continued to play because of the improvements I have made, and I feel that I have made a commitment to my teammates to play soccer every year.”

Senior Daniel Moore, sees the improvements Castro has made over the years and commends him on the skills he has acquired.

“I have played soccer with Jordan all three years that he has been on the team, and he has made many improvements,” Moore said. “When he started he could barely kick a soccer ball right and now he can kick very well, and he actually scored a goal in the Garces Tournament this year.”

Moore has noticed how much of an asset Castro is on the field.

“Jordan brings a lot of energy to the team, he is always one of the hardest running guys on the field,” Moore said. “He is just a lot of fun to be around and makes the team more light hearted.”

Younger brother Julian Castro, ’17, is grateful for having his space when it comes to sports, but encourages his brother to continue playing soccer throughout high school. Both attend practice after school, Jordan to soccer and Julian to basketball.

“I kind of like the fact that we’re sepererated because I’m not sure how well we would work together on a sports team,” Julian said. “I would never consider playing soccer with my brother because I don’t really enjoy playing soccer. I played as a kid and I’ve just found I hate soccer. I’ve tried to get him to play basketball and football but he just says he isn’t coordinated enough, which I refuse to believe.”

Varsity boys soccer head-coach, Matt Markarian comments on Castro’s exceptional character both on and off the field.

“As much of a good player Jordan is, he is a great teammate and friend to everyone on the team,” Markarian said. “He has definitely been one of my favorite players to coach because whenever he is told to do something he does it without thinking twice and always has a great attitude.”

Markarian looks back and has seen Castro’s dedication and improvement throughout the years, and expresses his appreciation of his hard work.

“Jordan is definitely one our leaders on the team, he plays hard and practices hard,” Markarian said. “He is the type of leader that wants everybody to work hard and give their best every day at practice. Jordan has improved tremendously since his freshman year. When he came to the team he didn’t have much experience, and because of his hard work, he has worked his way up to being a starter and one of our main players.”

These writers can be reached via Twitter: @_sarapeterson and @gaby_siqueiros. Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather.

For more sports, read the Jan. 12 article, Basketball sport shorts: Jesse Lujan Memorial Tournament.