Coming from a family of soccer players, Orange Lutheran senior Jaycob Garcia has been on the pitch since the age of four. After getting his start in local weekend leagues, he joined a club team at age six and now plays center midfielder and right fullback for the Lancers. The game has become part an integral part of his life.
"I play because of the culture," says Garcia of soccer. "I like the culture a lot, and I think it connects a lot of people all over the world. I also like it because it's been my whole life. I don't think I could live without it."
Now in his final year as a Lancer, the three-year varsity player and team captain is focused on leading OLu back to a championship by setting the standard for his teammates, both through his work ethic in training and his encouragement on and off the field.
"Jaycob carries a quiet confidence that raises up those around him," says OLu boys soccer head coach Mike Oseguera. "His steady leadership and determination have made our program one of the best around. He brings a fire and desire that has created a competitive, yet spiritually rewarding culture. Jaycob is one of the best examples of what it means to be a Lancer – humble, strong and incredibly intelligent."
Garcia feels that the emotion and intensity of high school soccer creates a different atmosphere than club play, and he values how quickly teammates bond and build strong connections in OLu's program.
"I think the high school game is completely different from the club game because it's a different type of soccer," says the 17-year old. "It's very intense, and I like the nerves I get playing it… The environment and how the guys connect together so quickly is amazing."
The mental side of the game and balancing soccer with life are where Garcia has experienced the most challenges, but leaning into his faith has helped him maintain perspective. Through it all, he has remained grounded in the lessons the sport has taught him.
"I think soccer has taught me a lot of discipline," says Garcia. "I think it's also helped me with communicating and connecting with other people. But I think the thing it's taught me the most is to never to give up. If you keep consistent with your mindset, I think you can achieve anything in life."
With the goal of pursuing opportunities to play soccer at the highest level possible, Garcia has planned an unconventional path after graduation this spring. He hopes to play overseas, specifically in Brazil with a semi-professional academy, while taking online classes toward a business finance degree.
As he prepares for this next step, Garcia credits his parents for instilling their work ethic and resilience, his longtime club coach, Coach Rafael, for showing him the mentality needed to be a top-tier player, and Oseguera for modeling what it looks like to be a faith-filled leader.
Above all, Garcia keeps Christ at the center of every aspect of his life.
"I think Christ is the most important thing," says Garcia. "I think having faith in something is very important. It helps me a lot with sports because I know no matter what, I'm always going to have God. No matter any loss, any win, the main reason for that for me is God. Even if you lose, it might be a lesson. Even if you win, it might be a lesson. God has a big impact on my life."
