by Michelle Tejada, Staff Reporter

Jonah Sampedro is a junior in high school. Both his parents are from Spain. While managing honors classes and rigorous courses, he also plays soccer.

Why did you start playing soccer?

I started to play soccer because of my dad he was the one who introduced me to the sport and influenced me to love it. When I was little I liked the sport and it became like a habit to play. It was more than a hobby it became my life.

How many years have you been a soccer player?

I’ve been playing soccer since I could remember. But I think I started at 4 years old so that would be about 11 years.

Do you like being switched from different teams?

My team is Garden City Raider and I prefer not switching but if I have to due to a problem with teammates or the team ends, I’m willing to look for one. I was switched once in like the seventh grade because everyone left the team but I haven’t [switched] since then.

How does it impact your school life?

For some people it may impact their school life because students have to make sure to get their homework done before soccer practice. If they do it after practice or even before they go to sleep it’s possible to manage. However I’ve been doing this for so long that it comes easy to me.

What do you like best about soccer?

I can’t go a day without playing soccer or learning something new about the sport either a move or a statistics. Not only is that fun but the intensity in competition and running around is so exhilarating, it made me love soccer.

Do you dream of playing at the World Cup?

I don’t think I’m on that level right now, but I would love to play in the World’s Cup. Hopefully I could make playing soccer my career and eventually make it to the World’s Cup.