AS THE end of the year inches closer, so does graduation for many of Granger’s soccer boys. Soon, their high school careers will end, and they will go on to play for various colleges, leaving behind their legacy here at Granger High School. Many of the seniors on the team this year are excited to see what life holds for them outside of high school soccer.
The Granger boys earned the regional title after their win against Hunter High School, which was also their senior night. Many of them hold memories that they will carry with them into college and throughout their lives.
“My favorite memory from this season was running to the corner after scoring a goal,” Kevin Bautista (12) said.
Erick Ortiz (12) says his favorite memory is going out to eat with his teammates after a game, whether the team won a game or lost one.
Jhostine Zepeda (12) says his favorite memory is last year’s senior night when his teammate scored an adrenaline-filled goal during the last few minutes of the game. Although these seniors have played for Granger for a long time, many of them have advice for future soccer players on the team.
“I would say to just enjoy your time and be grateful for the opportunity you are given. Take full advantage of your time because these four years go by a lot faster than you think,” Leonardo Juarez Garcia (12) said. Juarez says that he enjoyed his time on the team, but he agrees that it went by a lot quicker than he initially imagined.
Giovanni Beltran (12) says that students should prioritize their academics, while still valuing their role as an athlete. Beltran says to remember how important school is when being an athlete. He says that he wants future athletes to remember that schoolwork is just as important as their sport.
Hector Enriquez (12) says to cherish the moments with the team both on and off the field. He believes that it is important for athletes to become well-connected with their teammates and enjoy every moment with them. Enriquez also said that to create a well-connected team, team members must be willing to socialize with each other.
Although this is just the start of their lives, many of the players wish to pursue things other than sports after high school. Isaias Andres (12) says that he is excited to pursue a degree in astronomy or aerospace once in college.
Juan Hernandez (12) says that he is looking forward to earning a college degree in computer science, and hopefully, finding a job in that field of work.
Many of the seniors are more than excited to be able to start their lives outside of high school. While they do not know what challenges life holds for them, they are excited to be able to face them head-on. Granger’s 2025 boys soccer team has had a great season with a total of 14 wins and three losses. Although their season has officially ended, they are heading into the playoffs after their win against Cyprus High School.