Athlete of the Week: Jose Rosales

By: Megan Watson and Soul Koen

Redwood’s very own Varsity Soccer headliner, Jose Rosales, ‘21, returns to the field his Junior year with the promise of dedication and dominance to aid his team to succeed. Alternating from the team’s left wing and middle field positions, Rosales displays his finesse with his opponents by maintaining an expert form and high agility. Still, with his devotion to his team as his priority, he continues to strive for improvement, always looking for any room to grow and support Redwood.

Starting his career at the young age of 10 years old, Rosales was drawn to soccer for its activeness. He “always liked being active,” and soccer’s high demand for intensity allowed him to flourish. Not only does the prospering player have exceptional skills, but he also shares a genuine love for the game. When Rosales is on the field he states “I love being around my team–my brothers– we have a great time,” displaying that each game is more than a score to him, it is time spent with a family he is happy to be apart of.

In the past, Rosales remembers the moment he knew he was passionate about soccer. A memory that took him to the time he assisted his club team at the State Championships. Playing in Bakersfield, his team was tied up during the important championship game. With tensions flying and the time running out, Rosales and his team “went into penalty kicks, and won the shootout,” winning the championship for California. That day not only did he win a trophy, Rosales gained a passion. This passion of soccer goes beyond the Redwood field, but also his future.

Rosales sees soccer as a gateway to his success. When asked if he believes there is a place for soccer in his future, Rosales replies with ease stating “I for sure see myself in the soccer industry,” no matter if he were to be “a coach, private trainer, or even a professional player,” Rosales is devoted to continuing his passion after graduation.

Coach Wes Johnson also holds Rosales to a high regard for his dedication to the game. Johnson has no problem setting the right footed player as the starting left wing because he knows Rosales “loves the challenge of playing on the left side of the field,” there is not a moment where he gives on the field, and even throughout practices he gleams with a certain dedication. Rosales perpetually “works hard and does what he can to help us win,” Coach Johnson continues, “he is dedicated to being the best player he can be.” Thus, it is no question to why Coach believes that he is the most deserving of this week’s Athlete of the Week.

With his dedication and passion for soccer, the sky is the limit for Jose Rosales and his success.