As the spring season ends, the summer season arises in time for sports. While others relax and enjoy the season of no school, athletes train nonstop to reach their full potential even during the offseason.
Freshman Rafael Solorio-Rojas has been playing soccer his whole life and wishes to continue playing for the rest of high school. Rafael plans on playing all summer whether that’s for club or conditioning, to help him get better and better.
“We play all summer…We also do a soccer league at Bethel [college],” Solorio Rojas said.
Sometimes, playing sports gives athletes freedom and something to keep them distracted from the real world. Junior Xaydi Valdivia has been playing soccer since she was a kid and hopes to give it her all throughout her last year of high school.
“I like playing soccer because when I’m in the moment, I kind of forget about everything and just focus on soccer, I forget and just play,” Valdiva said.
At Newton High School, our freshmen have tremendous goals for their future. Freshman Jaime Carazes enjoys playing soccer for the school and club because of the friendships he’s built.
“Probably winning regionals [would be my goal for this year],” Carazes said.
A big factor that plays into sports is motivation.
Besides setting goals for the season, athletes also have to think about their opponents and losses.
“[If I lose] I kind of trick my mind into thinking that was a practice match and I normally go watch my next opponent to see how they play and what [strategies] they use a lot,” freshman Lily Graber said.
“[When warming up] I listen to music to get me motivated,” freshman Gianni Toribio-Triana said.
Athletes strive to be the best players they can be, and by doing that, they practice improving their strengths and weaknesses.
“Definitely my ball handling [is one of my strengths], but my court vision is alright too,” freshman Max Wahl said.
Playing a sport comes with many benefits, but also includes just as many struggles, like injuries.
“[I have had] many injuries but I’ve had four major injuries, the first two were because I fell on my tailbone twice, the other one was I flipped over and landed on my back, and the last one was I fell on my head and got a concussion,” freshman Hayle Wright said.
Alongside injuries, setbacks, and loss of motivation come into play as well.
“[I remind myself that] I can make a life out of [soccer],” Carazes said.
Many people are inspired to play by either a loved one or someone famous who plays the same sport they do, because, according to Sports Idol, “Having idols can influence better athletic performance.”
“My dad and brother [inspire me to play soccer],” freshman Toribio-Triana said.
Most athletes build their forever friendships and bonds because of sports.
“[My goals for] my next club season are to finish it out with all my club, [after this season] I won’t see them anymore because we’re all gonna go to college next year,” Valdivia said.
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Summer Is Not a Break for All
A look at summer sports
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About the Contributor

Jeyla Sanchez, Reporter
Jeyla Sanchez, I’m a freshman and enjoy reading and writing in my free time as well as soccer. I am in Spanish club and I play the clarinet in the railer band. I love being around my family and friends when I get the chance too!