After speaking with Coach Felix Alfaro from El Monte High School, it is clear that this year's team has a strong focus on improvement and building a successful program. With returning players who have shown incredible potential and new players who have already made an impact, the team is determined to continue their upward trajectory and become even more competitive.
The top returning players from last season are Alexander Juarez and Hugo Guzman, both seniors. Despite facing challenges last season, they have come back stronger and faster than ever. Their experience and dedication make them valuable assets to the team. Coach Alfaro also highlighted the strong progress of the women's varsity team, who have moved up from last place two seasons ago to second in their league last season.
With this trend of improvement, there is no doubt that these players will continue to contribute to the team's success. In addition to the returning players, Coach Alfaro also mentioned two freshmen, Diego Paniagua and Analeah Ledesma, who have shown immense potential and have made the varsity team.
Their hard work and commitment to the team make them excellent candidates for future team captains. When it comes to choosing captains, Coach Alfaro looks for players who possess qualities such as leadership, commitment, hard work, communication skills, and respect. This season, the team has four captains, two upperclassmen, and two underclassmen, showing that age and experience do not determine a player's leadership abilities.
A crucial aspect of success for any team is chemistry and camaraderie. Coach Alfaro emphasizes the importance of having a close-knit team, as it not only improves performance but also makes the sport more enjoyable for the players. To foster team bonding, they participate in various activities, have one-on-one meetings, and host fundraisers.
The team also went on a trip to Big Bear, which allowed them to connect on a deeper level and strengthen their bond. These efforts not only bring the team closer but also increase their motivation and dedication to the sport. When it comes to motivating the players, Coach Alfaro understands that every player has their own unique motivation.
As a coach, he utilizes various tools such as relatable stories, showcasing other successful athletes, and providing constant encouragement to push his players to their full potential. As mentioned earlier, the team's focus on improvement and competitiveness also serves as a source of motivation for the players. As with any team, there are always challenges in preparing for a new season.
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