by James Coulter
Martin Aguilar started playing soccer at the ripe age of three. Now, this 16-year-old striker from Lake Wales High School (LWHS) has found recognition from a couple of local sources.
Martin currently ranks as the leading player on the LWHS varsity soccer team. Undoubtedly, his biggest accomplishment this season was scoring the winning goal during a game on Jan. 15, 2025, which was played against the #1 seed in the district.
“With only 30 seconds left, he took on the last defender and the goalkeeper to complete the score 5-4,” read a newsletter naming him the Athlete of the Week. “Martin is now sitting with one game left in the season earning 12 goals, 6 assists, and 161 steals.”
Ever since Martin started playing at the age of 3, his father has inspired him to continue playing the game and improving his skills as a player. Being able to make his family proud has, by far, been the biggest inspiration of them all.
“I like to make my family proud when I achieve good things on the field,” he said. “The game has become a passion of mine, as it does not feel like work and has allowed me to keep progressing as a player. The more I learn the better I become.”
Martin has been playing varsity soccer in high school since his freshman year. Not only has he excelled in sports as an athlete, but also in school as a student. His coaches have commended him, boasting how his “1Q is extraordinary” and “skill set is always improving.
“He is a player that will not let you down,” Varsity Assistant Head Coach Mehki. “He is a player that drives our team.”
Recently, Martin was nominated with over 19,000 votes as The Ledger’s Top Soccer Player. He’s even been recognized by Sheriff Grady Judd for his exceptional soccer skills.
When he eventually graduates high school, Martin hopes to continue playing soccer in college.
Overall, being able to impress his family and make friends along the way keeps him motivated to continue playing hard, working hard, and studying hard. And he has a high aspiration that his hard work, both on the field and in school, will pay off.
“I am very proud of myself and the people who keep pushing me and inspiring me,” he said. “I enjoy just making new friends and playing the game because I always have fun playing soccer. My main motivation is to make my family and friends proud and to just have enough money so my family don’t have to work.”
