WILLIAMS, CA (MPG) – In the words of the legendary soccer star Pelé, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.”
And whether he was aware of “the King’s” words, the formula has proven to work for Williams High School senior Adrian Solis, who will become the first soccer player in school history to play for a Division I school after signing on with the University of San Francisco.
“What I enjoy about the game of soccer is the challenge and hard work it takes every day,” said Solis. “I love the joy soccer brings me when I’m on the field playing with my friends and also the chance to visit new places and meet new people.”
In addition to representing the Yellowjackets and the community of Williams itself, which he says he finds the most pride in doing, Solis also plays for the Davis Legacy club team, has traveled to Texas to play in the Dallas Cup and to Sweden to participate in the Gothia Cup as part of the NorCal All-Star team.
Still, what makes his hometown such an important part of the experience is the support he has received thus far, which is the foundation of who Solis has become, not only as an athlete, but as a person as well.
That influence is apparent given that Solis is grounded in his religious faith, humble and thankful for those who have been with him throughout his journey, starting of course with his parents, Ramiro Solis and Liliana Velazquez.
He specifically credited training every morning before school with his father as having helped shape him into the player he is today.
Then also spoke about the influence of his mother who has always been there for him and additionally serves as the inspiration for his academic pursuits as he hopes to follow in her footsteps by studying to become a nurse.
Solis, an honors student with a 3.8 GPA, not only expressed gratitude toward the teachers at Williams High School, but also for those who have coached him in various sports including Forrest Bateman , Dan McDonald, Jeff Lemus, Robert Tamayo, Humberto Guzman, Nik Willis and Tony Hermann.
Having entertained offers from Chico State, Grand Canyon, and San Diego State universities; Solis says he opted to play for the Dons because of the feeling he got immediately upon arrival.
“The coaching staff is amazing,” said Solis. “They welcomed me, and my parents and I just loved the atmosphere on the campus.”
Thus, while the future is certainly bright, Solis, who led the Yellowjacket men’s cross-country team to a Mid-Valley title this fall, would like to cap his final season for brown and gold with a second Northern Section championship on the pitch.