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TWHS' Reinaldo Perera
HOT STREAK: TWHS Soccer returns to postseason after dominant year
Prior to the season kick-off, it was well known that TWHS meant business, considering they had advanced to the UIL State Semis in 2022. But who knew they could succeed to this degree, despite having a relatively young roster?
TWHS' GK Danny RamseyPhoto provided by TWHS Coach Jason Fanning
“The boys have worked very hard every day,” said Head Coach Jason Fanning. “Squad depth means everyone pushes each other for playing time, which has created a very competitive atmosphere.”
TWHS Soccer has remained undefeated in district play dating back to the 2020-21 season, and as expected, the Highlanders were a force to be reckoned with, yet again, this Winter.
The team’s skipper, senior Forward Reinaldo Perera (9 goals, 5 assists), and junior Henrique Caputo (17 goals, 4 assists) made it difficult for opponents to keep up against the TWHS defense, despite their anchor on the back-line, Rodrigo Checa missing time due to injury.
TWHS' Henrique CaputoPhoto provided by TWHS Coach Jason Fanning
“[Rodrigo] Checa has been dealing with some nagging injuries that prevented him from playing,” Fanning said. “However, our defense only conceded six goals in the district. Offensively, Reinaldo [Perera] has been incredibly consistent for us, and I felt that Henrique [Caputo] would be a significant contributor, but I’m really impressed with his goal-scoring ability.”
After their UIL State Title hopes were cut short last season when they fell to Lake Travis in the State Semis, the Highlanders will aim to flip the script this postseason.
TWHS' Mateo ScialacomoPhoto provided by TWHS Coach Jason Fanning
“Our team goes into every match believing we are going to win,” said Fanning. “We prioritize belief in your abilities, and right now we are trying to finish up district play with a strong effort and then prepare for our first-round opponent.”
Since taking over the program in 2018, Head Coach Jason Fanning has bolstered the TWHS culture of winning. In addition, he imbues his athletes to be more, on and off the field.
Photo provided by TWHS Coach Jason Fanning
“I continually stress hard work and accountability in my training,” Fanning said. “If you maintain these two things, you will be someone others look to and rely on.”
The Highlanders will undoubtedly look to one another on the pitch, once their UIL postseason begins on March 24. TWHS Soccer has been dominant all season. Now it’s time to carry that over into the playoffs.
The Woodlands HS 2022-23 Soccer
STATE RUN: TWHS to take next step for State Title
After coming so close to earning their first 6A State Title, the Highlanders are prepared to resurge as the new season begins. Leading the Highlanders is coach Jason Fanning.
“With last year’s team's success, it kind of demonstrates what happens when you buy into a program and its beliefs,” said Fanning. “Whatever goals these players set for themselves, can be achieved. The great thing about our community is that we have really high expectations. I feel, from a coaching standpoint, that we can never set the expectation too high. Our kids relish that opportunity to push themselves to achieve things they didn’t realize they could.”
Photo Courtesy of Coach Jason Fanning
Despite several of last year’s players graduating during the offseason, several key returning players. Team captain Reinaldo Perera, will be expected to direct the younger talent on the pitch.
“He [Perera] is going to be a really big player for us,” Fanning said. “He’s a senior forward who’s entering his third year on varsity. I think he’s got a lot of potential to contribute in a bunch of different ways. He’s a top-level competitor and I think the team will feed off of that.”
Another player to look out for is junior center back Rodrigo Checa, who has quietly become a standout among the skilled Highlanders roster. He was a part of last year’s team but did not play. Despite that, Checa’s ability has shown through the preseason prompting the players to elect him as one of the team’s captains.
“It’s been about seven years since we’ve had a captain who wasn’t a senior,” said Fanning. “Because of the unlikeliness of it, that gives you an indication of what kind of person and player he is. He’s a fantastic player.”
Talent makes the team. But, according to coach Fanning, the community aspect of TWHS Soccer is what will drive the young men to success.
Photo Courtesy of Coach Jason Fanning
“We’re trying to create a high school experience for the guys,” Fanning said. “But that doesn’t always have to do with what goes on the field or in practice. We do a lot of community outreach where we volunteer our time with a couple of projects in the fall and spring (including working for the Montgomery County Food Bank every MLK Day). We like to think that our program isn’t just about soccer, but about shaping young men to understand their role in the community and how they can impact other people’s lives.”
Coach Fanning and TWHS will anticipate another stellar season. Highlander soccer begins their campaign for another trip to the postseason when they face Seven Lakes on December 30th at 7:30 pm in their first game of the regular season.