Oct 2nd – The Sojourn’s Athlete of the Week, presented by Amplify Media, is Jose Garcia, a junior on the #5-nationally ranked Indiana Wesleyan Men’s Soccer team.
Garcia is a 5’10” midfield from Puerto Montt, Chile, and a graduate of San Francisco Javier.
“[The international sports agency in Chile] recruits you, and they match you with universities. They do a good job at matching you with what you are looking for,” Garcia said. “Our coach traveled to Chile a couple of years ago for a showcase and some games that we play, and he saw me there.”
Garcia was All-Crossroads League 1st Team, Crossroads League Midfield Player of the Year, and NAIA All-American Honorable Mention as a freshman and All Crossroads League 1st Team, NAIA Scholar-Athlete, and led the team in assists during his sophomore season.
“There’s not 11 players that are playing. It’s 25 or 30,” Garcia said. “They’re pushing us to improve and to be ready for games and I think that has been really key to this season. They are pushing us to be prepared and to be ready.”
Head Coach Matt Reeb is in his 5th season with the Wildcats. Under the leadership of Reeb, the Wildcats have gone 41-18-17 overall and 17-7-11 in Crossroads League play and are sitting at the highest national ranking since 2014.
“Jose has also strongly impacted our culture as a Christian and leader. As an international student, he can relate to students who didn’t grow up in the US,” Reeb said. “He is a psychology major and a person who is very cognizant of others and their mental and emotional health.”
Junior midfield teammate Cole Little has seen Garcia’s growth and finds a close friend in him.
“I appreciate Jose more off the field than I do on the field. He’s a great friend of mine,” Little said.
In the Wildcat’s last home matchup, Garcia scored one of the two goals with a long penalty shot. He has been a key contributor to the 10-0 record.
“Jose’s impact on our team is massive. He is a catalyst for our team and guides our team offensively,” Reeb said. “He recently scored a world-class goal last game.”
Little has also found much success on the field as he was named All Crossroads League Honorable Mention and NAIA Scholar-Athlete last season.
“Outside of his incredible soccer ability, banging in goals left and right, he’s also a really good person and very mature,” Little said. “He offers a different perspective being from Chile and South America, and I appreciate his open-mindedness, but also him being able to share his culture.”
Little emphasizes the talent Garcia has on the field and the culture he brings to the program as well as Reeb highlights the leadership he carries to his teammates.
“He is also a bit of a quiet leader, and when he gives his opinion, everyone listens. Specifically, this year, I’ve watched Jose’s leadership grow,” Reeb said. “He has shown tremendous composure in games and a steady work rate in training that others are pushed by.”
The Wildcats look to continue their success as they have eight more Crossroads League regular season matchups before the tournament begins. The postseason kicks off on Nov. 6 and could go all the way to the National Championship game on Dec. 9.
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