For Enrique Correa, playing on the Varsity team is the culmination of many years of hard work: he has long enjoyed playing soccer, a sport he started at age three. Since then, his love for the sport has grown.

“My dad told me to go with him to one of my cousin’s soccer games to see if I would like it, and ever since that day, I’ve been liking soccer,” Correa said.

Correa is happy to make Varsity, and looks up to all the seniors on his team.

“It’s absolutely amazing that he is a freshman playing Varsity soccer, and I know the other Varsity soccer players are happy to have him,” AVID teacher Jennifer Culbertson said.

Correa played soccer in middle school as well, but found the middle school and high school tryouts were way different. The middle school coach already had an idea of who he wanted in both teams (A and B), which, Correra said, makes kids feel comfortable knowing what team they will end up in. High school is way different, according to Correa, as everyone is more competitive.

“There were a lot more kids, and the coaches really had to make a tough choice for each team,” Correa said.

Not only has Correa played soccer at school, but also out of school for a club called West Chicago F.C. where he is joined by most of his friends.

“My experience was pretty good, but I would say that the most fun I had playing was with Addison,” Correa said, mentioning Addison United, a club he played for previously.

Either way, Correa is really passionate about soccer and is thinking of playing college soccer at a D1 level.

Other than soccer Correa enjoys playing “Fortnite” with his friends outside of school.

Correa is very much appreciated by his peers, especially by his AVID teacher, Culberston. Culbertson has seen Correa as a student who is academically responsible and always completes his school work. If Correa is ever struggling with something, Culbertson says he is never afraid to ask for help.

“He’s doing really well in all of his classes. We did a grade check, and he seems to be doing a good sports and school balance,” Culbertson said.

Julian Lopez is the second freshman to make the Varsity team this year. Like Correa, Lopez started playing soccer at age three and has worked hard to earn his place on the team, moving from striker to midfielder along the way.

According to Lopez, he tried out for the team after working hard over the summer.

“The tryouts were really competitive. It was hard, but I never gave up, and I did my best, and the results showed. I was really happy and proud of myself,” Lopez said.

Although it might sound daunting to play with upperclassmen who have already formed a bond and developed strategies together, Lopez says he feels welcomed on the team.

“They’re treating me good. I have supportive teammates, and that helps me play better,” Lopez said.

In particular, Lopez looks up to Rocky Nicoski-Rios, whom he describes as a great leader. According to Lopez, Nicoski-Rios is supportive, and does not get frustrated when anyone makes a mistake.

This year, Lopez is hoping to improve his skills, especially dealing with pressure and getting better at dribbling. Yet, his eyes are already on the future: he plans to go to college and play soccer as he does so: one college he is interested in is Northwestern University. Lopez is not sure what he wants to pursue in terms of a major, though.

Lopez’s goal for the rest of his high school career is to have good grades and graduate while also making good memories. He has already made an impact on the team.

“Julian is a very creative player, his composure on the ball when being pressed is something our team benefits from,” coach Dorian Carrasco said.