Alumni Alexis Luna returns to CFC with Capital FC Atletico
“It’s an honor to be called back to the USL squad since I played at the club growing up. And as a kid I always wanted to be a part of the U23 team. So this feels like a step closer to reaching my goals as a soccer player.”
Alexis Luna started playing at CFC when he was 5 years old. Two club OYSA State Championships later and a current DII college athlete, Alexis credits a lot of his on and off the field success to the opportunities provided to him at CFC.
We sat down with Alexis to walkthrough his playing history, #Path2Pro goals, and favorite CFC memories. See the full interview below and catch Alexis in action this summer with Capital FC Atletico (get tickets here).
Q - When did you start playing at CFC?
I started playing at CFC at 5 years old. My parents signed me up after a year or two at the YMCA soccer team.
Q - What was your greatest “on the field” success at CFC?
I was part of the 2002B squad that won two State Championships.
Q - What is your favorite club memory?
My best memory would be the last time we went to Regionals. Despite having very limited players, we were able to have a good run. All while having fun as well.
Q - How did CFC help prepare you for college both on the field as well as academically?
CFC helped me stay focused since I was always reminded of how successful I needed to be in school if I wanted to play at the college level. As for on the field, I was presented with many opportunities to train with older age groups and train with what was the U23 Timbers back then. Also, we were always playing at a high level with the showcases we did, so that helped a lot too.
Q - What would you say kept you playing at CFC during your youth years vs transferring to a different club?
It was always my teammates and coaches. Even when there wasn’t success and I wanted more, I realized I couldn’t leave my team. I enjoyed my time with them too much and I knew the coaching staff at CFC could provide so much for my future as a student and a college player.
Q - Would you say CFC is a family? If so, how?
Yes, within our team there were never any bad vibes or anything like that. Everyone wanted to see everyone succeed and everyone had everyone’s back. The coaching staff always wanted what was best for us and made sure we were being taken care of the right way.
Q - How do you feel about being back at CFC and with the USL squad?
It’s an honor to be called back to the USL squad since I played at the CFC youth teams my whole youth. And as a kid I always wanted to be a part of the U23 team. So this feels like a step closer to my goals as a soccer player.
Q - What is your “why” behind playing soccer?
It’s always been a dream of mine to play professionally. Everyone in my family always tells me that I will be the one that “makes it.” So my family is a huge reason and motivator behind these dreams.
Q - What would you say to encourage the next generation of soccer players?
To be patient and consistent. Your time will come with whatever it is that you’re trying to achieve. Don’t rush since everyone’s career looks different. You can’t control those things, but you can control the discipline you have, the efforts you put in and your attitude towards things. As long as you work for what you want, you will be rewarded at the perfect moment.
You can watch Alexis compete this summer with our USL League Two squad, Capital FC Atletico. Catch their home-opener May 21st at 2PM on John Chambers Field. You can get tickets here.
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