Written by Byron Beers
Chris De La Garza has been a staple for the Muskogee soccer program.
Now in his senior year, De La Garza is in second season as the team captain, an achievement he cherishes.
“Chris is a four-year varsity player and in his second season as our captain,” Muskogee head coach Diego Zavala said. “Chris has great worth ethic and it is contagious. He always has a positive attitude and has a great desire to improve his game everyday.”
De La Garza has participated in soccer for 11 years and got started at the age of seven, getting inspiration from Argentina’s Lionel Messi. It proved to be his gateway to the sport as a child.
“Since I was a child, I have always admired and looked up to Lionel Messi,” De La Garza said. “He is the greatest soccer player in the world.”
The Roughers went 3-3 in the month of March and split their first two games in April. They snapped a three-game losing streak with a 3-0 shutout win over Tahlequah on April 7.
De La Garza, who has an ultimate goal of becoming an all-state selection, is always looking to improve. He feels his biggest strength is his leadership skills.
“As an individual, I feel my performance could improve,” De La Garza said. “As a team, we communicate and play well, however our mistakes can get the best of us.
“Throughout my high school career, I have improved on being a team leader by listening and taking in what my coaches say. My strengths include being a team leader, social skills, and keeping my teammates on track.
“Being able to listen and speak up are qualities I think make a great teammate and leader.”
De La Garza is in his fourth year as a starter for the Roughers. He will never forget the first time he was named a starter.
“My most memorable sports moment would be getting named as a varsity starter as a freshman,” he said.
De La Garza, who enjoys going on runs, spending time with family and coaching his younger brother in soccer during his free time, has already mapped out his plans following graduation from Muskogee.
“My plans after high school include completing the electricity course at Indian Capital Technology Center and entering that work field,” he said.
