He’s got goals.
Thomas Jefferson soccer star Victor Ogunwale made a name for himself with his goal-scoring exploits last season, and now the senior striker is taking the show to Europe, joining 40 other standouts on the Public Schools Athletic League’s boys and girls international soccer team. The squad will head to Spain on Aug. 7 for a week-long trip that includes several games against international competition. Ogunwale can hardly contain his excitement — and he’s determined to score more than a few goals on Spanish soil.
“I’m just looking forward to getting out on the field,” Ogunwale said. “I want to use this opportunity. I’m focused on myself and get the most out of this chance.”
Ogunwale was nothing short of dominant with the Orange Wave last fall, leading the A division in goals with 31 and helping his squad to a second playoff finish.
The striker isn’t one to rest on his laurels, however, and he’s determined to use this trip as an opportunity to prove his talent. In fact, he’s looking forward to having his game critiqued.
“I don’t like talking about myself — I like people judging me after they see me play,” Ogunwale said. “I just keep trying to improve. I’d like to think I’m a good forward and I can dribble through the defenders and I can help a team when they need me the most.”
Ogunwale is more than ready to pack his bags for the Mediterranean, but it’s been a long road to get here.
He first heard of the team earlier this year and was quick to express his interest in trying out. Thomas Jefferson coach Frank Nicholas nominated Ogunwale and the star joined more than 100 hopefuls for a two-day tryout in early June.
Ogunwale is the first to admit he was a bit intimidated by the entire event — squaring off against former opponents and anxious to prove himself.
“I was really nervous,” he said. “This is my first time going after something like this. I just kept thinking, ‘I’ve got this,’ and my coach kept motivating me. He was telling me I could do it and I went out there and did just that.”
Ogunwale’s nerves didn’t last long. As soon as he felt the ball at his feet, he settled into his usual on-field rhythm, and it didn’t take long for him to start putting the ball in the back of the net. He’s certain he can do the same in Spain.
“I know what I’m capable of because I’ve done it before,” Ogunwale said. “This past season, I scored so many goals, so I always feel like I can do that. I really felt like I should get picked up by the team because I knew I could help them score.”
Ogunwale has plenty of goals in front of him — on the field or otherwise — and while he’s ready for his senior season at Thomas Jefferson, he’s focused on the trip to Spain first. He’s going to showcase his skills at the international level and then he’s coming back for a city championship.
“This year, I want to win a championship, because I’ll be a senior,” Ogunwale said. “That’s my goal, it’s as simple as that.”
