By ROY HESS | Staff Writer
Samantha Valdez and her soccer coach at Lopez readily agree, she’s quite a fierce player on the field.
“Fearless, hungry, aggressive — she has an objective (to win), and she’s out to conquer it,” Lady Lobos coach Alex Macias said about his standout junior, who is The Brownsville Herald’s All-Metro Utility Player of the Year for girls soccer.
Valdez is intent upon playing with a determined, never-back-off mentality.
“Yes, that’s the way I want to play,” she said. “I’m always wanting to do more than what’s expected. I always try to be hungry for more — that’s me.”
Valdez played a variety of positions for the Lady Lobos, who advanced two rounds in the playoffs this season. The Lady Lobos’ playoff run included a 2-0 bi-district triumph at home against a highly regarded Sharyland High team. Along with playing defense and in the midfield, Valdez played a lot at forward. She was always battling to win the ball with her all-out play.
“We’ve grown so much as a team,” said Valdez, who has played on the varsity since she was a freshman. “The team has helped me a lot. It’s amazing and it’s a great opportunity. It’s helped me grow as a player and as a person.
“We’re a young team,” she added. “After what we did this season, we just want to do more next year. It was a big task for the team to get to the second round this year, but we worked hard and we were able to do it. Next year we just expect more.”
Valdez was named the All-District 32-5A Utility Player of the Year, too.
“(Winning these awards) is huge,” Valdez said. “I appreciate this program very much. The accomplishments I’ve had, I wouldn’t be able to do it without Coach Macias because he’s been a huge part of my career in soccer.”
The Lady Lobos’ standout junior said she is motivated for her senior year of soccer.
“I want to keep playing (hard),” Valdez said. “I want to play college ball. I’m passionate about soccer, so these awards are motivation to keep going.
“I thank my family because they give me a lot of support,” she added. “I wouldn’t be able to do it without them. Also, RIP to my coach that passed away, Adam Castaneda. He was a big part of this. He’s also been my motivation to keep going. May he rest in peace.”