For senior attacking midfielder Nicolas Piñeros, this soccer season is more than just competition, it’s the build-up of a four-year journey. A leader on and off the field, Piñeros has been a key player known for his vision and commitment to the team.
The road to the varsity team started three years ago for Piñeros when he became a crucial JV player and was selected as a member of the playoff roster for the Varsity team in his first year of high school. In his second year, Piñeros faced the challenge of less playing time and a very competitive team, but was always resilient and helped contribute to the first State Title in the Coach Scott Davidson Era. As a junior, he started in 23 of 26 games, scoring a handful of goals and helping the Raiders to sweep the Southern California showcase with 3 wins during the holiday break. He also helped win the program’s back-to-back Palm League, Regional, and State Championship.
“He is a key player for the program’s first-ever undefeated season and the school’s first-ever National Championship.” Assistant coach Federico Mor-Tatis said.
As a senior captain, he aims to achieve the program’s first-ever 3-peat state title and currently leads the team with 14 goals/assists in just 10 games.
“We need to win it all,” Piñeros says. “It would be the perfect end to my high school journey.”
Beyond his athletic achievements, Piñeros has also mentored the younger players on the team, instilling a feeling of hard work and unity.
“I always tell them it doesn’t matter the grade of the players who start on the field, the thing that matters is if the players on the field are giving 100% and if they play for the team and not themselves,” Piñeros said.
Coach Mor-Tatis credits Nicolas for building team spirit and being a role model.
“He is extremely talented, passionate, and wants what’s best for the team. He is respected and looked up to by his peers. He does everything 100% from the very beginning to the very end. He never whines, never complains, and always roots for his teammates to do the same and to play handsomely,” Mor-Tatis said.
Off the field, Piñeros has balanced academics, community service, and his passion for soccer, giving back through youth clinics and charity events.
“It’s about more than just playing the game—it’s about inspiring the next generation,” he said.
With graduation approaching, Piñeros is looking at college opportunities but is focused on finishing his high school career on a high note.
“My plan for after graduation is not to hang up the boots yet. I think I will play college soccer or club soccer at any university I end up at. I am most looking forward to starting a new life with many different faces I have never seen. I also want to live in a new city, explore new places, and try new things” Piñeros said.
