Redwood’s Men’s Varsity Soccer Team’s Senior Night took place on February 6th, 2024 at the COS stadium. 7 seniors got recognized for their hard work and determination throughout the season.
By: Jordyn Soto
Nicolas Alcantara, ‘24, says, “Its definitely mixed emotions about my last league game coming up. I’m sad that my season is coming to an end, but I’m also grateful to be part of this program for 4 years.”
Being on the soccer team for as long as Nicolas had, it’s a little bittersweet leaving what he loves most. “My favorite memories from the season are being able to win games and having fun with my teammates during practices.”
“I am excited but also it’s sad since I’ve spent the last 4 years here, I will miss it very much,” Andres Gutierrez, ‘24, said.
Andres has also spent the last 4 years being part of the Men’s Varsity Soccer Program, so leaving will be bittersweet for him. What he enjoyed most was spending time with his teammates. He says, “My favorite memory from this season was all the team dinners, it was fun because we all got to get along with one another.”
Dominic Olivares, ‘24, enjoyed the confidence they got from scoring and just simply celebrating with his team.
He says, “My favorite thing about the season was celebrating every goal we scored. It’s something we all get hyped about and it builds the team’s confidence.”
Being a senior on a team with underclassmen, you almost turn into a role model. What Dominic loved most was getting closer with his new teammates and leading them to be the best they can be.
He says, “All the great friendships I’ve made along the season with all the new players are friends that will be alongside me forever.”
Ben Harris, ‘24, makes it clear that he will do everything and push through anything just to get a win with his teammates and celebrate that victory.
He says, “I did push myself this season, I’ve been playing on ligament damage on my wrist for two months now and a bruised foot for over a week.” Ben had a lot of support from a bunch of different people that encouraged him to play his best every game.
Harris says, “My biggest supporters have been my teammates and my family. I am going to miss my teammates since I’ve played with most of them for over eight years.”
Ethan Bither, ‘24, was expected to play a big role because of him being team captain.
He says, “I definitely pushed myself this season. With my role as a captain, I felt a little more pressure to perform so I think that helped to push me a little bit more during the season.”
Ethan believed that because of his coaches pushing him and simply just having faith in him, he’s gained more confidence and he’s also grateful that he got to be a part of this season, especially as a team captain.
He says, “The coaching staff has put a lot of faith in me this season, and even though I feel like I’ve let them down a bit, I am happy to have spent four years with these coaches who believed in me so much.”
Jesse Zetino, ‘24, being the second team captain, has been out for most of the season because of an injury but he continued to look on the bright side and be positive for not only himself, but for his family as well.
Zetino says, “My family has been my biggest supporters. I’ve been injured the majority of our season and my family have been there through it all.”
Due to Jesse’s terrible injuries, it cost him his senior night and the last couple of games also. He believed that if he stayed having a positive attitude he could push through anything and in the end, be happy.
He explains, “I started preseason with an unidentified back injury. I did physical therapy and kept pushing forward so I could play when the league started. I played our first 6 league games, then found out that I have stress fractures on my lower spine as well as a blood clot. The doctor did not clear me, so I had to miss the last four games of my senior season. This messed with me not only physically, but mentally. Part of me felt like I was letting my team down. I just had to remind myself that everything happens for a reason. I believe I gave it my all this season.”
Lastly, Dallas Harris, ‘24, is the last team captain for the Redwood Men’s Varsity Soccer team and also is ending his season being another one of the players that played on Varsity for 4 years. He enjoyed the friendship and the connection he had with all of his teammates.
Harris says, “The day-in and day-out of training with all my teammates is something I am definitely going to miss. I have really enjoyed my time here and I am going to miss playing for Redwood Soccer.”
Dallas and his teammates couldn’t wait for each game as they all feel as though they play as a team and play so well together and show what they are capable of as they play under our stadium lights.
He says, “One thing I am going to miss about playing for Redwood is playing under the stadium lights in the Mineral King Bowl. It is the best feeling to be playing alongside your brothers fighting for a win.”
This group of seniors have succeeded so much during all the years they’ve spent on Varsity. Each one of them are different in their own way but all have made the best memories and grew the best connections that they’ll keep with them forever.
Jordyn Soto
Jordyn Soto, '24, is a first year Sports Writer for the Redwood Gigantea. Other than the Gigantea she enjoys playing soccer and loves to open up to new people and new things. You can reach Jordyn at jordy.so1933@vusd.us.
Tags: #athletics, #redwood, #rhs, #senior night, #soccer
