Jaramillo draws on club experience to lead boys soccer

Manteca High senior captain Mark Jaramillo (left) dribbles away from the pressure provided by Sierra midfielder Alexis Berber.

By DIEGO ESPARZA
The Tower

Experience pays dividends in most things. For varsity soccer player Mark Jaramillo, experience playing soccer outside of high school has improved his skill set and ability to lead. 

This year, Jaramillo, a senior, has made it a mission to become one of the captains on the varsity soccer team. On the year, Jaramillo leads the team in scoring with three goals.

The Tower sat down with Jaramillo to ask about how playing club ball has helped.

The Tower: How do you feel being one of the only club players in the boys’ soccer program? 

MJ: I feel good about it because I have an advantage over other people since I’ve been playing for a long time, and I’ve been playing at a higher level, so I know competition around here. 

TT:  So, you do believe that playing at a club level has helped you at the high school level? 

MJ: Yeah, it has shown me the difference in the levels, difference in the speed of the game. 

Exclusive Club

Senior midfielder Mark Jaramillo is the only player on the varsity soccer team with club experience.

TT: Do you feel as if people look up to you because you played at the club level? Do you feel like you’re more of a leader? 

MJ: Maybe, I think because I played at the club level, coaches and people are going to expect more from me. Obviously, they know that I have more experience. 

TT: Do you think playing club is harder than playing high school soccer? 

MJ: Yes, I think in high school there is a lot of competition, but not as much when you play on a club team. 

TT: So how long have you been playing soccer? 

MJ: I’ve been playing since I was about 5, so 12 to 13 years. 

TT: Do you have a certain figure or person that really pushes you to be great? 

MJ: I think who’s pushing me the most is Ervin Mendiola, who passed away a couple months ago, one of my teammates and friends.  

Tower reporter Diego Esparza interviews Manteca High soccer player Mark Jaramillo.