Compared to four years ago, the soccer program has come a long way from what it once used to be. Before Coach Jesus Arreola arrived, the soccer program had not won a single game in district for about four years and had gone through three coaches before him.

“The program was at an all-time low,” Arreola said. “There was no stability, no discipline, no energy, no dedication, no anything in the program.”

However, through hard work and dedication, the team was able to snag a victory at the start of the season against Cedar Park.

“Putting in that extra effort and going that extra mile and training to become a better player,” senior co-captain Martin Medina said. “I think that’s what makes the difference [for me].”

Although not every game the boys have played has been a win, they take each loss as a learning opportunity so that they can improve in the next game. “Losses are tough,” senior co-captain Davison Thompson said. “Especially in soccer because they’re usually pretty close and the game is decided on a couple of calls or a couple of errors. The team can get frustrated and separated and sort of dysfunctional and you just have to reel all in and bring the team back together and just focus on the next one.”

When the team does experience a victory, Medina also uses this as an opportunity as a learning lesson.

“I point out all the great things that we did and put them into effect whether it’s at practice or the next game,” Medina said. “[I] let the team know that they’re doing well and we celebrate.”

Thompson is also confident about the division games.

“Our division is pretty difficult and every team is good,” Thompson said. “Bowie is also really good but we’re really good, too.”

Coach Arreola does not only train the team physically but also mentally.

“Austin High has always had a lot of talent and [with] the little time that I get them it’s difficult to develop them as much as I wish to just because of all the limitations and time,” Arreola said. “So I focus a lot on their mentality and physicality and preparing them from game to game, which is pretty difficult to be honest.”

A way Arreola does this is by comparing the players to the past and letting them know that they can be better and achieve more for the program.

“I think that if we had more support from everybody, the kids would be so much more hyped up for the games,” Arreola said. “That could make a huge difference in the mentality, the focus, and everything that has to do with the soccer program.”

Through hard work and dedication, the team has become confident that they are stronger than ever.

“I encourage everyone at Austin High to do things they normally wouldn’t do and just represent your school because it’s awesome,” Thompson said. “Soccer games are crazy and fun so come out and support us.”

The boys play tonight against Lehman at Lehman High School.

JVB at 4:30 P.M.
JVA at 5:45 P.M.
Varsity at 7:30 P.M.