J.R. Reyes is hard to miss on the football field. Before every game, you’ll see him praying at midfield. “Every day, thank him,” he says, showing his appreciation for the game.
His devotion seems to pay off. This season, the Edison High striker is having a remarkable senior year. “Whenever he has the ball, anything can happen,” Coach Femi Olukanni explains.
Reyes fell in love with soccer at the young age of four. “I remember my dad taking me to my first game. From that moment, I was hooked,” he shares. By second grade, scoring goals felt natural to him. “I realized I was scoring a lot, and my team relied on me,” he recalls.
For four seasons, Reyes has trained with Coach Olukanni, who has seen him grow. “Everything we taught him is blossoming,” Olukanni says. With over 30 years of experience, Olukanni knows talent when he sees it. He played for Fresno State and the Nigerian National Team before coaching.
“He’s helped me become a better player and a better person,” Reyes says. The coach believes that with effort, players can achieve anything. “As long as they are willing to learn, the sky is the limit,” he adds.
Next season, Reyes will continue his soccer journey at Fresno Pacific. “Great coach, great program,” Olukanni believes Reyes will thrive there. He’ll be playing under Coach Cameron Shahrokhi, a two-time champion with Clovis North. Reyes has high hopes, saying, “Coach Shahrokhi knows what he’s doing.”
But for now, Reyes and the Tigers are focused on their upcoming games. He is on the verge of breaking his own record of 36 goals in a season. “I have a celebration planned,” he hints. As the playoffs approach, every goal counts.
In a recent game, Reyes scored again, setting a new record just before halftime. “I’m so happy for him and the team,” Olukanni said, proud of their achievements.
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