It is rare to discover both something you love to do and something you are good at, but junior Kevin Garcia was lucky enough to discover soccer.

“Soccer is a really positive thing for me,” Garcia said. “I’ve met a lot of new people and it’s a great opportunity for me to see new cities and discover new things.”

Garcia began playing soccer when he was three years old after his dad enrolled him into a Boy Scouts team. After playing for clubs, Garcia joined the Birmingham Community Charter High School’s (BCCHS) team this year as a center attacking midfielder.

Soccer is a dominant aspect of Garcia’s life. After over a decade of playing soccer, he has received high recognition. Garcia was part of the Balboa Soccer Final Ten, winning the Irvine and Thousands Oaks Cup, and has won American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) trophies. He has also won some Cal-South tournaments.

Although Garcia enjoys practicing soccer, he understands the importance of doing well in school. Garcia maintains a 3.4 GPA and is tackling two AP classes this semester. Maintaining exemplary grades and practicing regularly did not come easy, but Garcia found a routine to satisfy his academics and his practice.

“I try to focus on homework first and when I have extra time before bed I pass the ball against a wall,” Garcia said.  

As Garcia grew older, his love of soccer grew as well. Soccer transformed from an activity his father placed him in, into a sport he hopes to play for the rest of his life. In the future, Garcia hopes to play for a professional team in Nicaragua.

“I won’t stop playing soccer after high school,” Garcia said. “I want to play for college and maybe even for a team.”

When asked what advice Garcia has for aspiring soccer players, he says it’s all about working hard and having fun.

“If this is what you love to do, work hard and appreciate everything,” Garcia said.