Sam Houston High School Soccer: Building a Strong Foundation for the Future in 2025
The 2025 winter season for the Sam Houston High School Soccer team was one of growth, resilience, and hard lessons under the leadership of Head Coach Lester Duarte. Balancing the physical challenges of competition with the equally important task of molding character and teamwork, Coach Duarte guided the team through a season of highs and hurdles that will shape the program for years to come.
As part of the 2025 Winter Season Recap Article Series, Coach Duarte shared valuable insights into the team’s key contributors, defining moments, challenges faced, and exciting prospects for the future.
Key Contributors: Anchors on the Field
Coach Duarte identified several players as essential to the team’s success this year. Central to their strategy was Jefferson Bernardez, a dynamic midfielder whose role went beyond just gameplay. Bernardez orchestrated the team’s offensive and defensive transitions, motivated his teammates, and acted as a field general directing the squad’s efforts.
Alongside Bernardez, the defensive unit stood strong and reliable. Players like Adan Delgado, Eithan Moreno, Jesus Contreras, Don Chris Miguel, Ismael Jimenez, and Jorge Lara proved to be a formidable wall in front of the goalkeeper. Their collective effort kept opposing offenses at bay, showcasing strength, discipline, and teamwork essential to the team’s overall performance.
Overview: Growth Amid Challenges Season
When asked how the season went, Coach Duarte described it as “good,” highlighting the complexity of managing not just games, but interpersonal dynamics and teamwork. “Keeping the team organized and making them work together were our main challenges,” he said, emphasizing that the season was as much about character-building as athletic development.
He acknowledged setbacks as well, including behavioral issues from some players during the year. Yet, rather than focusing solely on negatives, Coach Duarte emphasized the growth and correction that followed. Through ongoing advice and guidance, those players improved their attitudes, reinforcing a culture of accountability and respect within the team.
Among the bright spots were the noticeable development and potential shown by players like Josue Zambrano, Ismael Jimenez, Oscar Velasquez, and Daniel Garcia. Their growth during the season demonstrated the promise within the squad and set a hopeful tone for the future.
Defining Moments: Teaching Moments on the Field
One of the most memorable moments from the season came in the very first game. Coach Duarte recounted a situation where two players faced a difficult emotional challenge. Rather than letting frustration affect the team, he stepped in to teach a valuable lesson on controlling emotions and playing with responsibility and respect.
“This was one of the most important parts of playing sport — to behave, act, play responsibly, be respectful, and work as a team,” he explained. After this incident and subsequent guidance, the team’s attitude and cohesion noticeably improved, marking a turning point for the season.
Rising Stars: Players Stepping Up
As the season progressed, several players developed into bigger roles, proving their readiness to contribute more significantly. Coach Duarte highlighted Yeikol Chourio, Gibran Barajas, Olvin Lagos, Emilio Pimentel, Ismael Jimenez, and Oscar Velasquez as key individuals who embraced greater responsibility and influence on the field.
Their emergence helped the team adapt to challenges and build a competitive edge, demonstrating the depth of talent and commitment in the roster.
Responding to Challenges: Unity and Strategy
Like any competitive sports team, Sam Houston faced injuries, tough losses, and pressure situations. The coach praised the team’s focus and maturity in these moments.
“We were concentrated as a team, analyzing and looking for new strategies to improve our team performance,” said Duarte. He stressed the importance of communication, openness to different opinions, and collective decision-making as critical factors in their response.
This willingness to reflect and adjust highlighted the team’s mental toughness and the leadership’s emphasis on growth, even in adversity.
Senior Leadership: Confidence and Experience
The senior class brought much-needed stability and guidance to the program. According to Coach Duarte, they contributed “a lot of confidence, experience, and knowledge,” playing a pivotal role in keeping the team motivated and united throughout the season.
Senior players often serve as role models, and their leadership helped instill discipline and team spirit among the younger athletes, creating a positive culture that benefits the program beyond individual seasons.
Looking Forward: Motivation and Discipline
The future of Sam Houston soccer is bright, and Coach Duarte is excited about what lies ahead. “What excites me most about the returning players and the future of the program is that this group of kids is conscious that they need to work hard and be disciplined to be successful,” he said.
Their motivation and readiness to face challenges as a cohesive unit signal a promising trajectory for the team. The coach’s vision for a disciplined, hardworking team aligns with the fundamental values he has emphasized all season.
Offseason Goals: Sharpening Skills and Discipline
Coach Duarte outlined clear objectives for offseason improvement: “Responsibility, ball management and control, game strategies, defense and attack strategies, and discipline.”
By focusing on these areas, the team aims to refine both individual skills and overall tactical awareness, building a more polished and cohesive squad ready to compete at a higher level next season.
Following the Team: Where to Find Stats
For those eager to track the team’s progress and detailed performance stats, Coach Duarte mentioned RankOne.com as the primary source for updated information on the Sam Houston High School Soccer team.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season for Sam Houston High School Soccer was much more than wins and losses. It was a year of learning, growing, and laying the foundation for future success.
Coach Lester Duarte’s leadership emphasized not just athletic excellence but also personal development, teamwork, and respect—qualities that will serve the team well in seasons to come.
With a strong core of experienced players returning, a clear offseason plan, and a renewed sense of unity, the Lady Texans are poised to build on this year’s achievements and chase greater heights in the years ahead.
Fans, families, and community members can look forward to supporting a team that is as committed to character as it is to competition—a true reflection of the spirit of Sam Houston High School.
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