"DREAM" by Ramon Zuniga

Ramon Zuniga

Brownsville ISD

Lopez Early College High School

Sports Played: Soccer

Class of 2025

Coach: Amadeo Escandon

Awards/Achievements:

Freshman - Principal’s Award, Newcomer of the Year

Sophomore - Most Valuable Player, Brownsville Herald/Valley Morning Star, 2023 Boys Soccer Player of the Year, All Valley Player of the Year

Junior -Team Captain, Offensive Player of the Year, Lower Valley Utility Player of the Year

Senior - Team Captain

Soccer is something that has been present in my life since birth, with the sport seeping into the household and around my neighborhood; I would go to Lopez High School games. I would watch some of the area's best players play at the highest level. Their dedication, work ethic, and camaraderie on and off the field inspired me to dream that maybe someday; I would get to play for Lopez as well. Seeing their passion for the game made me have a stronger passion for soccer than ever before. Ever since I was a kid, I knew I would follow in the footsteps of these athletes and be something greater than I am.

During a crucial soccer match, I was in doubt about handling faster players, but by focusing on game awareness and positioning, I made crucial interceptions that boosted my confidence. Having missed several shots on the training ground, I was questioning my finishing, but my coach told me to have faith in my training, and in the next game, I scored the winner. I used to believe that I wasn't athletic enough to compete at a high level, but once I committed to more conditioning and strength training, I noticed improvement that erased my self-doubt. When I lost the ball a few times in a game, I believed that I wasn't good enough, but my teammates encouraged me, and I got back on track to assist in scoring a pivotal goal. Doubtful that I would be part of the team, I performed at my best during tryouts, and upon finally seeing my name on the roster, I realized that determination and self-confidence could conquer doubt.

My dad has been my greatest role model my whole life, pushing me daily to be the best possible person and player both on and off the field. He didn't tell me how much hard work and dedication it takes to be good; he embodied those qualities daily. Those are the days that I did not feel like training, he inspired me to wake up and put in the work, telling me that consistency leads to good players becoming great players. He even pushed me to play with veteran players, even though I was younger, and he knew I would be stretched and my game accelerated. His faith in me and his constant encouragement have shaped me into the player and person I am today.

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At one point I was at that stage where I was bogged down by chronic mistakes and pressure to perform and considered quitting soccer. However, after a heart-to-heart discussion with my teammates and coach, I realized failures were a stepping stone in evolving and not the reason to withdraw. I made a point of focusing on subtle improvement each day, and along with rising self-confidence, enthusiasm for the game also grew stronger. Forcing myself through the tough times helped me realize that setbacks make victory all the more sweeter.

To any sportsperson who is thinking of quitting, I'd say that setbacks don't define you; your determination and willingness to improve do, so push through because you're stronger than you think. Never let disappointments or bad days discourage you; every single great player has had setbacks and failures. Success is simply about keeping a positive attitude and believing in yourself, even if things don't go your way. Always be the hardest working person in the room, because effort and commitment will take you further than talent alone. Stay dedicated, have faith in the process, and know that improvement is derived from challenging yourself each and every day. If you remain dedicated and never quit, your effort will be rewarded in the end.

My aspiration is to groom tomorrow's sporting champions through sharing my experience, teaching them the importance of discipline, determination, and self-confidence. Apart from developing their potential on the sporting field, I hope to instill in them self-discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills which will benefit them in life. Mentoring young sportsmen enables me to guide them through challenges, encouraging them that mistakes are stepping stones to success. I will encourage them to stay focused, have a positive mindset, and always give their best. My hope is to encourage them not just to be great players but to become confident, resilient individuals who carry these lessons with them outside of the game.

My future goals include earning a degree in computer science while continuing to play soccer and seeing where both paths take me. I am passionate about technology and problem-solving, and I believe a career in computer science will allow me to make a meaningful impact. At the same time, I want to keep pushing myself as a soccer player, improving my skills, and exploring any opportunities the sport may bring. Balancing academics and athletics will be challenging, but I am committed to working hard and staying disciplined in both areas. No matter where my journey leads, I am excited to grow, learn, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.

Ramon Zuniga/Embrace Doubt Foundation-2025

Photography by UTRGV ,Lopez High School, RGV Sports and myrgv.com

Coaches Corner

"Ramon has been part of this team, directly and indirectly, since he was a toddler for his father used to bring him along for practice.   He has been playing for the varsity team since his freshman year in high school and, as he did four years ago, he is very committed with the team.  He is usually one of the first ones on the field and also, he normally stays after practice to get an extra workout. Ramón is also the captain of the team, and under his leadership, the team has advanced to the semi-finals and finals of the regional tournament for the past three years. Ramón excels not only on the soccer field but in the classroom as well.  He is, and has been, in the Top 10 percent of his class." - Coach Escandon