The Voices of Luis & COE
We interviewed student and Midfielder, Luis Medina during his first year at the Center of Excellence.
DS: What words best describe you?
Luis: Disciplined. Very competitive. And always respectful to my opponents.
DS: You were selected at COE as the first "Academic Weapon!"
Luis: I loved getting that! I've been focused on academics my whole life. I always give my best effort.
DS: How's online learning?
Luis: I enjoy it because it requires the same type of focus that I use on the soccer field. I'm self-disciplined, and I just love to learn.
DS: What're your favorite subjects?
Luis: I like them all, but particularly math and English.
DS: What position do you play, and why's it right for you?
Luis: I'm center mid, and it's a great position because so much goes into it. I move the ball forward and attack and move back and defend. I get to do a little of everything!
DS: What's needed to excel as a center midfielder?
Luis: An ability to control the game, whether attacking or defending, and skill at handling constant pressure.
DS: Have you seen progress this year?
Luis: Tremendous.
DS: Mike and Stan say you're not only an "Academic Weapon, but you're also a "Center Mid Weapon."
Luis: That's good to hear!
DS: They also say you're very humble.
Luis: My goal is to play at the highest level possible, take my talent wherever I can, and always be thankful and humble.
DS: What makes you excel?
Luis: Commitment to everything, from training to recovery work to classwork. I love competing with others and myself. I love taking what’s good and making it better, and taking what’s better and making it best!
DS: What club do you play for?
Luis: Seacoast United. I have a great team, and I give everything I can to my team!
DS: How old were you when you started?
Luis: Three.
DS: What's your favorite early success?
Luis: In Puerto Rico, when I was seven, I was on an undefeated team, and one of my first trips to the US was for a tournament, which we won!
DS: What's a recent achievement you're most proud of?
Luis: In Puerto Rico, I was in GPS, Global Premier Soccer, for almost four years. Then, I was selected to move to the US and play here! My family moved from Puerto Rico to here to allow me to train and play here! There have been challenges and big achievements. Throughout, my parents not only told but also showed me how to be fearless. As a family, we're not afraid to make big changes! My parents and grandfather went through ups and downs and achieved much, and this I will build on in my life!
DS: What's a recent achievement you're most proud of?
Luis: In Puerto Rico, I was in GPS, Global Premier Soccer, for almost four years. Then, I was selected to move to the US and play here! My family moved from Puerto Rico to here to allow me to train and play here! There have been challenges and big achievements. Throughout, my parents not only told but also showed me how to be fearless. As a family, we're not afraid to make big changes! My parents and grandfather went through ups and downs and achieved much, and this I will build on in my life!
DS: That's inspirational. Mike says you're also not afraid to make changes as a player.
Luis: I'm extremely coachable.
DS: What pro player is your role model?
Luis: I grew up watching Messi and modeled my playing style on him. When Ronaldinho played, it was like he was dancing; his passing and finishing were so skilled. I knew he was a perfectly well-rounded player. There are so many pros that I learn from constantly. I believe this is essential for me to grow as a player!
DS: Who are your role models?
Luis: My parents! They're incredibly supportive but also give me enough space. They taught me what's right, and every day, they do everything they can to prepare me for life.
DS: How did you get through the worst of COVID-19?
Luis: I trained a lot at home. It was really hard at times, but I was ready for a new start when I arrived at COE! It's certainly been that and a lot more!
DS: Who are your role models?
Luis: My parents! They're incredibly supportive but also give me enough space. They taught me what's right, and every day, they do everything they can to prepare me for life.
DS: How did you get through the worst of COVID-19?
Luis: I trained a lot at home. It was really hard at times, but I was ready for a new start when I arrived at COE! It's certainly been that and a lot more!
DS: What're you gaining most at COE?
Luis: It's physical and mental strength on the field and in training—and academic strength in the classroom. I know that Mike, Stan, Gui, all the coaches, and Kim are all here to support me through everything! This makes COE so unique.
DS: What do you look forward to at COE each day?
Luis: The coaching, the mentorship, and the strong feeling of community.
DS: What do you love about learning?
Luis: Growing.
DS: How about training?
Luis: I never get tired of it.
DS: Kim says that you help others with Spanish and are earning community service hours.
Luis: I like helping others. At COE, we support each other in becoming the best players, students, and people possible!
DS: Kim adds that you always strive to do the right thing.
Luis: That's what it's all about!
DS: What's COE's secret sauce?
Luis: The atmosphere. Everyone here is gifted, gives their best, and still wants to improve. Though we're all different, we all have one thing in common: we want to succeed—and we will. This makes the atmosphere exciting and inspiring!
DS: What advice would you give to student-athletes who are joining COE?
Luis: Learn as much as you can. Always appreciate what you have on the field, in the gym, and in the classroom. This is a special place!
DS: It's 2040, you're playing pro, and a fan asks for advice. What would you say?
Luis: As a team member, do everything you can for your team! As an individual, keep one goal in mind no matter the detours. Stay focused on your goal and work hard. It will pay off! And sometimes, when you least expect it, something big will happen! And never stop having a growth mindset like me!
