If you are thinking about soccer season, you are a little late; Tomball varsity soccer has already been preparing for district.  Despite their loss of key players, they still have major assets to the team that will lead the Cougars into playoffs.  “We know each other, and we play well together,” said junior Jonathan Sanchez.

Another advantage to the Cougars is their environment.  Most high school teams play on converted football fields, many of which are artificial turf.  But Tomball’s field is a regulation size, grass field. “We are very fortunate. Our soccer program gets to play on one of the nicest fields in all ofTexas,” said Coach David Slater, “It gives us a fantastic home field advantage.”

Making it to playoffs is a main focus for the Cougars.  “That is our goal, we want to go as far as we did last year,” said senior Cameron Free.

Last year, Tomball was ranked third in the nation.  They were undefeated in district, making playoffs a breeze.  “There is not a doubt in my mind that we will make it to playoffs,” said Sanchez.

But varsity still has a lot of work ahead of them. “Because we lost so many key players, we are working on rebuilding our team,” said Free.  In order to beat their biggest competitors, Tomball will be working hard to achieve this goal.  The Cougars agree that Klein is “for sure the greatest competition.”  But Tomball has strengths that no other school does.  “We’re like a family,” said Sanchez, “We’re brothers.”  Even when the scoreboard is leaning towards our opponents, the Cougars stick together.  “We try to make the best out of every situation,” said senior Sergio Salazar.

With the Cougars determination, hard work, and focus, our opponents just don’t stand a chance.  With such experienced players, winning has just become a habit.  “When we practice, we have fun with it,” said Salazar.

But what really contributes to the Cougars’ success?  “My ritual before every game is simple,” said Free, “I tie my shoes.”  For others, the mental preparation prior to a game is more Zen.  “I take a long time,” said Sanchez, “I sit down and just relax.”

Whether it is a certain routine or just getting in the zone, the Cougars always keep the wise words of Coach Slater in mind. “The key to our team’s success is our commitment to self-improvement and team improvement,” Slater notes, “By bettering ourselves individually, we raise the level of expectations for our performance collectively.”