Athletes work hard every day to be their best. But what really makes them stand out? By looking at their routines and mental strategies, we can uncover the secrets to their success. It’s not just about skill; it’s about hard work and a strong mindset.
On any game day, a young athlete starts by packing their gear and making sure they’re ready. A healthy breakfast fuels them for the day ahead. As they lace up their shoes and think about how to perform, they feel a mix of nerves and determination. But what about a professional athlete? Let’s explore how these routines help young athletes get ready to give it their all on the field.
On September 24, 2024 I interviewed professional MLS soccer player Jesús David Ferreira Castro from FC Dallas. I really wanted to see how Castro would answer these questions compared to how I would as an academy player of FC Dallas. Some of these questions focus on the game of soccer, but not all. The questions aren’t only about soccer, and hopefully they will inspire other types of athletes too. This interview with a local professional athlete could help gain insights on wanting to play sports at a higher level.
About Their Career
What has inspired you to play soccer?
Jesús David Ferreira Castro: ” For me I was inspired by my father to play, to make money and to help my family out.”
Joaquin Chavez: I started soccer because my dad played and has inspired me to play soccer.
Can you describe your journey to becoming a pro player?
JDFC:”When I was 10 my dad joined FC Dallas’ pro team while I joined the youth team. When I was 16 I joined a pro team, in 2017 I scored my debut goal. In 2018 I got transferred to the USL, The next season I joined back with FC Dallas and have been there since.”
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
JDFC: “My most highlighted moment during my career was either my debut goal or my first time just stepping on the field and the crowd going crazy.”
JC: My most highlighted moment in my career was scoring a last second game winning goal against my old team and celebrating with my team.
Training and Preparation
What does a typical training week look like for you?
JDFC: “We train daily other than on game days. Normally I’d do more shooting drills and build up play because I’m an attacking player.”
JC: For my team we do a lot of passing drills, possession and shooting drills as well.
How do you mentally prepare for a big match?
JDFC: “It’s good to start hydrating and eating well 2 days before a match so I would eat the best foods I can, and hydrate well because if you’re not hydrated your not gonna have a lot to play with.”
JC: I like to hydrate as well and not just 2 days before but the whole week I find crucial that hydration is key and to always be hydrated.
What are your go-to exercises for improving your skills?
JDFC: “I like doing dribbling drills to improve on that and finishing to get ready for game.”
JC: My favorite drill is to grab to cones and just work on my dribbling between those cones.
Thoughts on the Current Season
What are some goals for the next season?
JDFC: ” Obviously we wanna go to the finals and win in the MLS but I also wanna score more and be a better teammate when it comes to passing and tracking back on defense.”
JC: Very similar to his I’d like to score more then last season and help my teammates a little bit better for the team I just hope we do good game by game.
Do you have plans for what you want to do after your playing career?
JDFC: “I’d like to have a family of my own that I can help and I’d like to stay in the vision of soccer.”
JC: After I retire whether I go pro or not I’d like to have something to do with coaching a pro team or being an announcer but something with soccer.
How do you want to be remembered as a player?
JDFC: “I’d like to be remembered as a good teammate who scored a lot and something along that lines, being a good leader is the ideal title.”
JC: I’d have a close answer to that, just being a good and helpful teammate, being known as a hard worker as well.
