When one enters their final year in high school, there tends to be a lot on their plates.
For Mission Bay High senior Cody Armstrong, his final season of scholastic boys’ soccer is one he wants to be the best yet.
According to head boys’ soccer coach Joe Panian, Armstrong (plays midfielder/defender) has really grown as a player during his time with the Buccaneers.
“He has always had critical skills to be successful, but over the last year, he has started to understand how to deploy them, such as when and where to pass, take space, shoot, etc. Cody is a talented player that makes things look easy at times, where other players would struggle,” Panian said. In looking at Armstrong’s final season with the team, Panian said Armstrong had gotten off to a good start.
“Early in the season, he has shown a great ability to score goals and solidify our defense (because we’ve had many injuries in the backline to start the season),” Panian stated. “As the season continues, I would like to see him lead our team in a positive way verbally and through his actions. “I would like to see Cody to continue how he’s started the season, to rise to the occasion for the team, whether that be score critical goals to win a game or to bring stability to the defense.”
As he maneuvers through his final season, Beach & Bay Press recently caught up with Armstrong. BBP: At what age did you start playing soccer and what got you interested in it?
Armstrong: Soccer has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I believe that I started playing this sport at the age of 3 or 4 and it has never stopped because of my love for this sport. Also, I think with part of my family coming from South America, they have always encouraged me to keep playing with so much support from them as well as friends here in San Diego. BBP: What are your goals both as an individual and team in your final season?
Armstrong: For my goals this year as both an individual and team, I always aim for the best. To be able to win league and the CIF DIII Championship in my last year would be a dream come true for me and my teammates. As an individual, I would like to leave MBHS knowing that I “left it all on the field.” Being named to first-team League and Division would be my proof of accomplishing just that. BBP: What else are you involved?
Armstrong: In my years at MBHS, I have been involved in a couple of different clubs and other sports. I have been part of our Eco Club, which focusses on helping our community from pollution and other big problems, and Link Crew, which helps introduce new freshmen to our school. I have played beach volleyball all four years of high school and indoor volleyball for two years. BBP: Do you plan to go to college next fall and would you like to play soccer?
Armstrong: I do plan on going to college next fall and am doing my best to be able to play for the college team. I always want to get better and keep improving in this sport so playing for a college where the competition is much higher is definitely my goal looking forward. BBP: For any boys interested in coming out for the MB team next season, can you give them some advice?
Armstrong: Honestly, just play your game and be comfortable in the environment you’re placed in. Coach Panian and Pablo will always be there to help you improve; you just have to show that you want it. And I will admit that is something I lacked my first couple of years at MBHS. Also, never have regrets in what you do during games or practice; I like to say ‘Don’t think about it, just play as you see it’.
