By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
The San Benito High School Soccer Program’s future looks bright based solely on the commitment, and, in some instances, the skill levels of the girls who participated in a camp this week.
Participating in the camp under the hot late afternoon sun was not as much of a concern to the campers as getting the soccer drills correct.
Wilbert Padron, the Lady Greyhounds’ Varsity Soccer Coach, led the three-day camp at Bobby Morrow Stadium.
“Some of the campers already show a strong foundation and game awareness, which is encouraging. It’s even more rewarding to see familiar faces who’ve attended our camp in past years,” Padron said. “Their continued commitment to the sport and steady growth each summer are exactly what we hope to see as they work toward joining us at the high school level. Many of the girls are already looking solid, and that gives us real confidence in the future of our Lady ‘Hounds’ soccer program. There’s a lot of potential coming through the pipeline, and we’re genuinely excited about what’s ahead.”
Before using the soccer ball, he and the other coaches at the camp utilize SAQ drills. It’s the acronym for speed, agility, and quickness, and it’s used to enhance a player’s “footwork, explosiveness, and overall movement on the field,” Padron said.
There are 57 girls registered for the soccer camp. Some days alternate with other summertime commitments, so it has averaged about 35 participants each day.
The campers also rotated through three other specialized sessions. One focused on possession, helping players improve their control and decision-making under pressure. Another focused on finishing, giving them, Padron said, “important opportunities to work on confidence and accuracy in front of the goal.”
The third emphasized shielding the ball, which teaches players how to use their bodies effectively to maintain possession of the ball. “Each station targeted a key area of development, combining technical, tactical, and physical growth,” Padron said.
The camp divided the girls among the grades they will be entering, from seventh through ninth.
“We’re very pleased with the turnout and grateful for the strong support from families and the community,” Padron said. “It’s great to see so many young athletes taking part in developing their soccer skills and being part of the camp.”
Padron didn’t go at it alone as he was assisted by Pedro Contreras, Hipólito Garcia, and Stacey Gonzalez.
“A heartfelt thank you is owed to them for volunteering their time this summer to support our young athletes,” Padron said. “They chose to pour their energy into developing the next generation of Lady Hounds’ soccer players. Their passion, commitment, and belief in these girls truly shape the future of our program.”
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