Special Soccer Season
Exchange student from Spain holding American flag is embraced by Texas high school soccer team who are all holding Spanish flags

Texas team embraces Spaniard

Clara (Spain) played on the school’s JV soccer team with her host sister this spring in Texas. At the last home game of the season, Clara was honored to be recognized as team captain, wearing her captain’s arm band from her home soccer team in Spain. Before the final game kicked off, all the girls gathered with her for team pictures with the girls waving Spanish flags and Clara holding the American flag.

The night was capped off when Clara scored a goal. Her teammates on the field rushed to grab her in a group hug, while the teammates on the sidelines waved their Spanish flags and cheered.

It was a special soccer season. Not only did Clara play and compete in a sport she loves, but she also truly became a leader on the team. The coach said Clara was the glue that brought and held the team together throughout the undefeated season. Her confidence, humor, and positive outlook helped the team play together to succeed both on and off the field.

—Lisa Jones (TX), host mom of Clara (Spain)