Joshua Guzman is a student athlete at San Marcos High School, he has been on varsity since his freshman year just finishing his junior season. Going into his sophomore season Joshua injured his ankle forcing him to recover and sit out his sophomore year playing soccer after a long recovery Joshua came back his junior season ready to play the sport he loves.
Joshua has many different passions, but something that has been there from the beginning is soccer.
“When I was 5, I would go to my dads soccer games and would play with the ball with my cousin,” Joshua said.
In middle school Joshua got to feel the thrill of victory, while being supported by his family.
“I was in the final and I scored a free kick to win the game,” Joshua said. “It’s very memorable to me because my dad was recording and he was cheering me on.”
Joshua’s passion for soccer began with watching his father play. Another significant role model in his soccer career was his uncle.
“It would have to be my uncle Charlie. You know, he coached us all growing up. He taught me basically almost everything, ” Joshua said. “You know after my dad, but he was always a very influential person when it comes to my soccer career.”
Rattler Soccer got a taste of victory this year, reaching the playoffs and having the best record in over a decade. Not only does the team lift each other up, Joshua has helped guide a few fellow soccer players, including Junior Dylan Manauth.
“He recently made his come up to Varsity and I feel like I’ve really been mentoring him, you know, especially since he plays my position,” Joshua said. “I’ve been trying to help him keep his cool when he’s on the field, just little things like that.”
Joshua has dedicated almost all of his life to this sport, playing soccer for almost ten years now. Like many athletes know, playing a sport for that long can bring glory and suffering. Joshua recently experienced the hardship of a committed athlete.
“Soccer has definitely helped me get out of depression. Recently, I broke my ankle and the only thing I was thinking about was soccer,” Joshua said. “I wanted to get back on the field and I think something that’s always helped me is to look at the bright side of things.”
Some dreams aren’t always attainable, but Joshua keeps faith to achieve them in his upcoming year, as he goes for the captain spot as he uses his leadership skills to bring his team up
“My goal this season was to score 5 goals, but I only made 1 which isn’t nothing. I was wishing for more. I will get them my senior season for sure.”
As the rattler soccer team goes forward they thrive to feel the glory as they did this season, hopefully claiming the gold. Joshua hopes to get the same thrill of victory he did in middle school, striving to be a better player on the field, not letting anything stop him. Joshua Guzman and rattler soccer are on track to make some noise in the upcoming year.
