After Selma High’s varsity boys’ soccer won the CIF Central Section Division Championships, the team is on an energy high and competing in State Championships.
The Bears traveled to Riverdale High School and defeated Riverdale 2-0 in the Valley Championships.
In the State playoffs, the Bears lost to Milpitas 3-2.
“I for sure feel like it was a dream [come] true. Still to this day [I] can’t believe we did it,” Immanuel Renteria, who plays the position of goalkeeper junior, expressed.
The accomplishment has brought the team together and made them stronger as a unit. The Bears are still striving to achieve their goal of winning the CIF State Championship for their division. They believe in achieving this not through cockiness, but through confidence and faith. They are also focused on maintaining strong bonds and relationships within the team.
Going into the State Championships on March 4th, the team is still adjusting and working.
Renteria stresses adjusting his communication skills before the big game.
“That is key in soccer and I need to use it a lot in the goalkeeper position. [As well as] an optimistic mindset,” Renteria states.
Brando Torres, a senior, explains his mindset going into State Championships.
“Being focused and flawless is my mindset going into State tomorrow and I will prepare myself for the game by being relaxed and calm leading up to it,” Torres said.
When asked how they handled the pressure of big games, Torres explained that instead of feeding off the pressure, he learns to enjoy it.
“I deflect the pressure by knowing what and how I should respond to it,” Torres explained.
Renteria explains the importance of a mindset that does not accept intimidation.
“As long as I enter with everything that I’ve learned, that’s all I need and that’s all my team needs. The rest will only get into my head negatively, [so] I don’t let that come in,” expressed Renteria.
Both players expressed their motivation is their families. They find their inspiration through their teammates and express their gratitude for the amount of support they’ve received through the years.
Torres expressed, “I know that I will not be able to continue playing forever and simply knowing that inspires me to do my best and enjoy it the most.”
Renteria shares, “I do it for my dad and mom, especially my dad. He loves watching me play the sport so I put on a show for him every time I play, I love him so much.”
