by Isabella Stewart and Mahalia Smith

This year’s boys’ soccer team has had many new athletes introduced to the team, and the stands have filled up more than ever this season. Sophomore Ariel Andres Sandoval has played exceptionally well this season; his teammates speak highly of him. 

Sandoval has played soccer for over 10 years; he knows most of his teammates from way back in elementary school soccer. With all that time, he has grown close with his teammates, and they could be perceived as family.

Sophomore Dylan Ortiz said he admired Sandoval’s loyalty and passion for soccer – the way he never gives up on the field, always pushing his teammates to be the best and giving them challenging opportunities to push themselves. 

Aside from playing soccer, another hobby Sandoval really enjoys is reading and writing poems. When he’s not on the court, he’s reading or writing, even studying architecture. 

Sandoval said his “biggest challenge in soccer is my mentality.” He has always been pushed to be good, but being great still comes with struggles. 

Sandoval said, “Remembering the reason why, followed by the people I’m playing soccer with, keeps me motivated through every game.”

Sandoval and Ortiz both really look up to their team captain, senior Elijah Cheeks. Sandoval said, “He is always keeping me on my feet for every game we face.”

Cheeks is always there on the field helping every teammate out whenever he feels like he’s needed; he is there. Cheeks said, “I enjoy helping my teammates and helping them get better every day, not just as a soccer player, but as a person, too.” 

Ortiz described Sandoval as “courageous.” He’s not deterred by danger; he’s brave and fearless, and Ortiz said, “that could be one of his biggest strengths.” 

Sandoval loves a good meal after games; his favorite food is chicken, and typically after a game he enjoys a nice meal of chicken wings to provide protein and energy for the next game. 

Sandoval strongly believes “the team will win sectionals in October and advance even more.”

Sectional play begins next Monday at Floyd Central at 7 p.m.; the Red Devils will face Jennings County.