For Pioneer Valley varsity soccer coach Roberto Robles, it’s not just his son Juan’s athletic ability that makes him an Athlete of the Week—it’s his leadership abilities and dedication to the game.
Juan, a junior forward (who can also play middle field), is having a stellar season so far. In the Panthers’ eight wins and three losses in league this season, Juan has scored 13 goals and racked up 33 points—the highest on the team.
He’s also first in the Pac-7 league for average points scored per game at three, and was named All-CIF for the Southern Section this past season. Juan’s been playing since he was 5 years old and is in his third year as a varsity player. He said soccer is how he escapes the troubles of everyday life.
“Playing soccer is relaxing. It gets me away from everything,” he explained. “You have to stay disciplined, stay in shape, and practice a lot.”
Juan’s favorite part of this year’s soccer season was going to the CIF playoffs. It was the first time Pioneer Valley ever qualified, and Juan said it was great to do so with the team.
Roberto, Juan’s father and coach, said Juan has always been 100 percent dedicated to the sport and is motivated to get better.
“He has been one of the top-scoring players since Pioneer High School first opened,” Roberto said.
Juan actually likes being coached by his dad, and said the elder Robles treats him the same as he does all the other players. As far as playing in college, Juan thinks it would be a wonderful experience.
“I’ve been to a lot of college showcases with my club team,” he explained.
While soccer is Juan’s No. 1 priority, you can find him hanging with friends and family when he isn’t tearing it up on the field and scoring goals. Though he still has another year of high school left, he’d love to play soccer for Cal Poly or UC Santa Barbara. For now, he’s already prepping for next season.
“I want to work to keep the team playing together as one, working hard, and going as far as possible in CIF,” he said.
This article appears in Mar 29 – Apr 5, 2012.