ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Joseph Joumayyed

Joseph Joumayyed is a junior center midfielder on the Braden River High boys soccer team. Joumayyed scored a goal in the team’s 2-0 district championship win over Parrish Community High on Feb. 1. Joumayyed leads the Pirates with nine goals.

When did you start playing soccer?

I started playing for real in seventh grade. I tried a bunch of sports before then, like soccer and basketball, but in seventh grade I went back to soccer and stuck with it. I just enjoyed it the most.

What is the appeal to you? Soccer fits my natural skills the best. I’m good at it. Plus, there’s nothing like the feelings you get from it, from playing well or scoring a goal.

What is your best skill?

I like to think it is my passing. I like to give my teammates good balls and help them out however I can.

What have you been working to improve?

My awareness and my vision. I want to know what I’m doing before I even get the ball. And again, I’m always trying to get better at helping my team any way I can.

What is your favorite soccer memory?

Winning the district championship this year is up there. That was awe some. It’s hard to describe the feeling. Scoring in the game felt good, but seeing everyone on the field celebrating afterward was amazing.

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What does the team need to do in the postseason?

Keep working hard in practice and never give up during games until that final whistle blows. We’re going to be tired but we have to push. That is what helped us win the district.

What is the best advice you have received?

Hard work beats talent. It is basic but it is true. When I first started playing soccer, I was not good. I kept working hard and it has paid off.

What is your favorite food?

I like pasta. I eat it before every game.

Which superpower would you pick?

I think I’d want to fly. You know how when you ride a rollercoaster, the breeze gets in your face? I think it would feel good like that.

Finish this sentence: “Joseph Joumayyed is …”