Playing under the Friday night lights of Yates feels different for the soccer team this year. The team is more than a team. The mutual respect and support they show each other makes the team feel like a giant family. 

“I feel like as a team, we’re more connected and we have better chemistry,” senior Oliver Martinez said. “We can actually criticize each other without getting mad at each other.”

Starting with the Kat Cup, the team annual tournament, the team could feel the change. The Willis wildkats went undefeated in the Kat Cup going against teams like Porter, Bevillve, and El Campu. This gave Willis a good feeling about the district. 

“The work ethic is there along with the passion is there” senior Hector Torres said. “We all work hard to achieve our goals as a team.”

The team has had some great victories on the pitch so far this season. The coaches can also feel a difference coaching these young men.

“He holds us more accountable and that’s the way it should be, ” Torres said.

Last Friday night it was senior night for the team. Thirteen seniors were recognized for their time as Wildkat soccer players. They were escorted down the field by their parents and families. Giving seniors their time to remember all their memories in the soccer program. 

“We expect a lot from our seniors,” Coach George Lee said. “These kids have a lot to prove themselves for especially from last year.”