Student-Athlete of the Week – Felix Tejada

The Desert Hot Springs boys soccer team's success on the field can be attributed to the special bond they share, and it all starts with Captain Felix Tejada.

"Having unity means a team has chemistry, and just having chemistry in general, especially in soccer, since it's an all-action sport, it doesn't stop, it's really important for the team because it helps us win and score, and all of that," Tejada said.

"Getting the group together. Communicating with them what he expects as a group, as a family, that he called it. He's the one that wanted to get the group, not just as friends, but it's a family inside and outside the field," said Head Coach Julio Alvarez.

Whether it's on the field, or in the team's group text message, Tejada is the one getting everybody hyped up.

"It's always 100 percent," Alvarez said. "His person, his character shows a lot. He's always motivated and he wants the best for himself and for the team, and for anything he does."

Tejada embraces his role as an extension of the coaching staff.

"I'm one of the most determined players on the team," said Tejada. "I'm captain for a reason and I like to keep my team motivated and high pressure at all times, so we can get all these dubs, and hopefully win for the team and the school."

"He's always, not only on the field, he's responsible outside the field and that shows a lot for the younger players," said Alvarez. "They see what it takes to be on the Varsity level and be a Varsity captain, and everyone respects him."

He's open to the idea of playing at the next level and plans to major in Kinesiology.

"I've just been playing sports my whole life. I can't imagine myself leaving that area, ever," Tejada said. "I want to stay active in just being a part of sports in general, it just brings happiness to me. I want to keep it going."

One thing Tejada knows he'll carry with him in life is the unity and bond he was able to create with his teammates at Desert Hot Springs High School.