Baylor soccer players, coach say hosting Spain is a dream come true
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- “I’m going to be able to tell my friends, ‘Yeah I shared a locker with somebody from the Spanish national team and then it’s gonna be a flex. I’ll tell you that their minds are going to be blown.”
Heath Techasiriwan says he’s jealous of the Baylor soccer players and coaches who will return to their locker rooms following La Roja’s stay this summer, as he is heading to the University of Georgia to play soccer in Athens.
He was one of several involved in Baylor School’s soccer programs who say getting to host Spain at their school is the honor of a lifetime, demonstrating that soccer fans weren’t the only ones taking in the spectacle of their open practice on Saturday evening.
Another player, Jasper Parker, said that, “I saw the video (of Spain in our locker room) and I was trying to figure out who’s in my locker, I think Cucurella is in my locker and I think my friend David has Lamine in his locker. It’s awesome.”
Talon Stroud, an assistant coach for Baylor’s girls soccer team, says the anticipation has been building for months on campus.
Stroud said, “It’s a little surreal because you see the players playing on TV. You know who they are, but to know that they’re going to be on our campus, in our locker rooms, on our fields, is still really really crazy. Obviously all the players were excited to try to get out here and watch practice and be involved in however way they could just so they can see them, it’s so cool.”
The players say they hoped to learn skills they can apply to their own games.
One player, Keane, said, “These guys are professionals at what they do and I’m really going to be watching out for their speed of play. Like the game at this level is completely different than what we play here at Baylor and this is going be like top-tier soccer.”
Parker added, “It’s insane to think about. You think you’re good and then you watch these guys out here and it just like blows your mind.”
They say Spain’s visit will leave a legacy on campus.
Techasiriwan said, “Spain coming here I think is a great representation for people all around the world to have highlights of what Baylor is as a school in general not just our soccer programs. I think it gives great representation and were able to share who Baylor is to everybody.”
Keane added, “I mean it’s definitely going to bring a lot of exposure to the school and our soccer program especially and I know the field looks beautiful right now. It’s just like it’s a great experience.”
