Soccer is a tough sport that requires stamina, speed, and agility in order to play. With hard work, determination, and perseverance, Freshman Kenzo Duong made the soccer team, playing on the Arcadia High School (AHS) Boys Junior Varsity Soccer team.
Kenzo started and played soccer when he was 5-years-old to 8-years-old. He then stopped in between 8-years-old, and he recently started playing again. His parents signed him up for a Japanese league when he was little; other than that, he doesn’t have any club soccer experience.
Making the high school soccer team has been one of his goals, especially because he didn’t have a chance to join and play in middle school. From a young age, he loved playing and watching soccer. He gets inspiration from his older brother, Kaz Duong, who is currently on the Varsity soccer team.
“Growing up, I always played soccer with my older brother, whether it be in our backyard or on the soccer pitch. He has been a great inspiration, and an excellent mentor who motivates me to train to my fullest potential,” said Kenzo.
Even though balancing a sport with schoolwork is hard for some, Kenzo found a way and is able to balance soccer, schoolwork, and doing jiu-jitsu outside of school. With good time management, he works efficiently by getting his schoolwork done before practice, games or after.
Kenzo continues to work hard with support from his parents. He shared that “my parents support me in several ways: buying equipment, taking care of me physically and mentally, and always watching my games. My dad even skips work early to watch my games.”
Although Kenzo has never played on a club team. He has thought about joining a competitive club. “It seems impossible to reach a high level, but when you put your mind to it then it is attainable,” says Kenzo.
Next season, Kenzo hopes to accomplish and maximize the time he spends training with teammates. Since he hasn’t played in all of middle school, he wants to train and ease back into soccer. His main goal is, of course, to win as many games as possible, but also to develop a strong team bond, play soccer with a purpose, and give it his all when he is out on the field playing.
He explained that, “soccer isn’t just a sport; it’s an art that teaches resilience and the importance of teamwork and communication. It is important to have a positive mindset in soccer.” He added, “If you or your teammate makes a bad play, you shouldn’t be discouraged; instead, you should give them feedback in an uplifting tone.”
Kenzo’s mentality demonstrates that determination and teamwork can turn goals into a reality.
