Being an exchange student is not easy at all, but at Hastings High there are many opportunities to break the ice and make new friends. Sports play a crucial role during this process.
The spring season has just started heating up, and with it comes new sports to watch and play. Along with baseball and girl tennis, the Hastings High soccer teams began their seasonal practice afternoons and competitions.
Senior Sam Gomez is one of those exchange students who decided to play on the school team and try a new experience. He has already competed on the boy’s tennis team, but now he can give his best with his passion, soccer.
The first meeting is always the most important, but after the initial five embarrassing minutes, the team feels like a family.
“The welcome I received from the team was perfect. I felt like I was part of the team since day one,” Gomez said.
Although he has already played soccer before, Gomez was never really part of a competitive high school team. It is an exciting reality to live in.
“This is actually my first time playing on a high school soccer team. It honestly feels pretty good to be part of the team. It makes you feel like you belong,” Gomez continued.
When asked what was the best part of this season, Gomez immediately thought about his fellow teammates.
“Probably, one of the most exciting parts of soccer is being part of the team. Especially our team. I would say we’re a family, rather than just a High School Soccer team. We support each other, in and out of the field, we joke around and have a lot of fun together,” Gomez said.
But being part of the team is not all about having fun with friends and being welcomed. It requires a lot of preparation. Gomez spent a lot of time during the winter season playing soccer to get ready, and now he is prepared to achieve his goals.
“As an individual, my main goal for this season is to grow as an athlete and a person and to make a positive impact on the team and on my teammates. As a team goal, we’re focusing on winning our districts conference, and to go to the state tournament,” Gomez concluded.
