Featuring a versatile freshman football player at Central High, a rising soccer star recognized as Student of the Year and a Clovis Crossfire striker with a 4.0 GPA.
Victor Hernandez
When Victor Hernandez was 3 years old, coaches in a recreational league allowed him to play with the older kids, thinking he was 6 years old. Since then, the California kid has continued to develop his skills while playing with many clubs in the Central Valley, including Cosmos SC and
South Valley United SC.
Hernandez is now an eighth-grader at Washington Intermediate School in Dinuba. He’s also a striker for Clovis Crossfire SC 2007.
“Soccer is special for me because I grew up playing [the game] and my dream is to become professional,” the Crossfire striker said.
Hernandez has relied on his parents, as well as the many coaches that came along the way, to learn the game. Outside of sports, the 4.0 GPA student said he is to trying to be the best person he can be and do his best in school.
“I achieve a 4.0 GPA and still stay successful in school because my parents always keep my on track on school and in soccer,” he said. “If becoming a professional soccer player doesn’t become a reality, I still think about what I could do outside of sports when I grow up.”
On the field, the young futboler has shown off his vision and finishing ability. The next phase of development is focused on improving his movement without the ball.
Hernandez cherishes every achievement he has earned throughout his journey, particularly the recognition he received as one of the final batch of players selected for the U.S. Soccer Club Player Development Program.
The student-athlete adds that he was recognized as one of the smartest kids in his school.
Hernandez is also finding success on the track, where he has won the 100-meter dash three years in a row.
Braylen Hall
Central High School freshman Braylen Hall, who has been playing football since the fifth grade, thanks the dozens of coaches who have helped him learn the game at every level. Hall said he appreciates those leaders for using the game of football to instill values of hard work, team work and responsibility.
While he has enjoyed the relationship with his coaches, along with the electrifying kickoff returns, unforgettable team dinners and priceless team bonding events through the years, Hall said some of the most satisfying moments came from the opportunities to give back to the community.
The freshman, who is known for his physicality, precise route running and ability to track down the ball, is just as impressive in the classroom, boasting a 3.8 GPA.
Hall has continued to ramp up his work ethic during the pandemic, lifting 4-5 times a week and following up with daily field work such as route running and ladder drills.
The wide receiver said he’s determined to break some school records, go to a Division 1 school and play beyond college.
“Another goal outside of football that I have is to get my degree in whatever major I take, so that I also have that as an option and I’m not so dependent on football as my only outlet in life,” the freshman said.
When he’s not practicing on the field, Hall studies the game.
“I enjoy working out when I’m not playing football or even studying the game by watching college and NFL receivers run routes and also study defenses,’ he said. “If not that, then I also enjoying spending quality time with friends and family.”
Selena Torres
Selena Torres, another member of the Clovis Crossfire, is a sixth-grader at Kings River-Hardwick Elementary in Hanford. Torres said she fell in love with soccer at the age of 5, finding the game fun and simple.
The wing player adds that she enjoys competing, learning new skill moves, developing a relationship with her teammates, meeting people from all over the world and learning about former players experiences.
Torres has had plenty of support along the way as she learned the game. The support system includes her parents, her brother, coaches Gerardo and Jessica Castillo, as well as trainers James Smith and Renato Bustamante.
The sixth-grader said one of her most memorable moments was the time she was named captain for the state cup. Torres is also proud of a goal she scored from half field.
The student-athlete, who has dreams of becoming a teacher, was awarded Student of the Year. She’s also recognized in her school as a very helpful person.
In her young soccer journey, Torres said she has learned how to dedicate herself towards improving her game, doing more work outside of practice and training sessions. The game has also served as a confidence booster.
“I can pass and strike the ball with both feet equally, being able to set up strikers to score,” the rising soccer star said, also noting her speed and explosiveness, as well as ability to defend and help win the ball back.