The Granite Hills boys soccer team has been led by four incredible captains this season. Each of them brings his own unique strength and commitment to the field.
By putting in countless hours of practice and teamwork, these players have elevated the team to new levels. As the team makes a deep run in the Central Section Division 5 playoffs, these captains’ hard work and devotion are more visible than ever.
Their passion for the game inspires their teammates to give their best, proving that hard work and perseverance are some of the main factors in these boys’ success. Whether it’s motivating others during tough practices or giving advice on skills, their influence has been felt at every moment.
Without a doubt, these captains will continue to guide the team toward a successful end of the season.
17-year-old Fabian Ruiz has been playing soccer for the majority of his life, so it was not hard for the soccer boys coach to choose Ruiz as a captain.
One piece of advice that has stuck with Ruiz is to always try and never give up, which he carries with him on and off the field. As captain, he hopes we are remembered for setting an example and always playing his hardest.
If given the chance to play a song each time he stepped on the field Ruiz would make sure to choose “Déjenme Hacer Dinero” by Edición Especial. Although he does not plan to pursue soccer after high school, as a midfielder on the field, he has enjoyed every moment of his time in the sport.
Ruiz plans to attend California State University-Bakersfield to study petroleum engineering, but for now soccer serves as a great way to keep his mind off of things.
17-year-old Jonathan Alvarado can speak of the countless lessons that soccer has taught him – one of the most important being time management. It helps him juggle his commitment to both soccer and his academics, making sure his grades stay at their best while he performs exceptionally well on the field.
To center himself before a big game he not only prays with his team, but also prays with himself for extra balance. When it gets rough on the field, his leadership skills come in handy to motivate his team to keep pushing forward.
If he had a theme song to play every time he stepped onto the field, it would be “We Are One” by Pitbull. Alvarado enjoys English and History since they come naturally to him. After high school, he plans on teaching or being in the business industry. Soccer has always been a part of Alvarado’s life, being inspired by none other than Leonel Messi since the third grade.
“It’s something I can turn to, especially when life gets tough,” said Alvarado. “I can always just go kick the ball.”
18-year-old William Ruiz has learned many valuable lessons from soccer. Playing for more than 10 years has left Ruiz’s mindset very straightforward when it comes to big games, his mindset is simple: give it his all and try his best.
Even when things aren’t going well, Ruiz takes it upon himself to uplift his teammates, showing his leadership skills as a captain. A piece of advice he carries with him on the field is to keep playing, no matter what, and not let anything affect his performance.
As a captain, Ruiz hopes to be remembered for his ability to inspire his team. If he could play a song before every game, it would have to be CRG by Central Cee to get everyone hyped. While his favorite soccer player is Paulo Dybala, his biggest inspiration in life has to be his father.
Looking ahead, Ruiz has dreams of becoming a mechanic while balancing his love for soccer.
Soccer has shaped 17-year-old Anthony Alcantar into both a dedicated athlete and strong student. When preparing for a game, his mindset is to win big and give it his all. Alcantar admits it leaves him disappointed after a loss, but it leads him to reflect on his performance and how he and his team can do better. A piece of advice from a coach that has stuck with him is to not let a dirty-playing opposing team throw him off track.
“They’re just trying to get yellow or red cards out of you,” said Alcantar. “I try not to fall for their trap.”
As a captain, Alcantar hopes to be remembered for uplifting his team during tough times. If his team could play a song every time he stepped on the field, it would have to be “Gervonta” by Peso Pluma. Being a straight-A student, his favorite subject is history, and even makes time for his community by being involved with Z Club and Link Crew.
A fun fact about him is that he can juggle, something he learned to do from working in the fields. Though he’s still undecided about which college to attend, he has been accepted to Cal State Fullerton and CSUB. For Alcantar, soccer means life, a passion that began in elementary school.
