This article is sponsored by: Mias Mexican Grill

Hailing from the land of Trinidad and Tobago and now crushing it in fútbol soccer in the land of “staycation” New Braunfels, TX. Josh Conrad has been the best to have landed in Canyon Cougar Soccer Country. 2022 has seen Josh lead the Cougars through a tough 5A Region 4 District 26 with the likes of power Alamo Heights. Crushing in hat tricks, banging in late game winners; Conrad has given it his all on the pitch for the Hill Country Cougars.

For 2022, Conrad was a major figure for District 26-5A standing out at the top of the table where he ended with 39 goals, 5 assists and 83 points as well as District Honors. We hopefully, will get to see Josh Conrad grow his talents locally at the University level.

·        How old were you when you started playing soccer and what was the first team or club you played for?

I first started playing soccer when I was 10 years old and immediately fell in love with it; I played for a local club called Edinburg 500 back in Trinidad and Tobago

·        Who is your mentor or biggest influence when it comes to playing soccer?

My biggest soccer influence must be my dad. He pushed me into joining my first soccer club and has helped feed that passion ever since. He still tells me stories of his old playing days in Highschool and gives me tips after most games on what I need to improve on which helps me constantly try and keep improving on my faults.

·        Who is your favorite player and why?

My favorite player would have to be Dwight Yorke because of his incredible achievements as a treble winner with Manchester United and for his impact as a trailblazer for aspiring Trinidadian soccer players.

·      Who is your favorite team?

Photo: MCU twitter

My favorite team would be Manchester United because all of my family members from father to grandfather have always followed them and that’s been passed on to me.

·      Besides playing your primary position; is there any other position you play?

I spend a lot of time playing on either the left or right wing and I feel just as comfortable there as I do play as the central striker. For club I tend to play left winger, however for most of my High School career barring my freshman year (where I played holding midfield) I’ve played as the central forward. I feel like there’s a lot of overlap between how wingers and forwards play positionally, so the transition is easy for me.

·      What have been some of the keys to your and the soccer team’s success this season?

The keys to Canyon’s success this season have undoubtedly been our watertight defense. It’s allowed me and our other attackers to be able to stay high and take a lot of risks in the final third with the knowledge that our backline can clean up any turnovers; it’s been the main contributor to my goal tally this year.

·      What are your plans after high school? Are you planning to play in college or go pro?

After I graduate High School, I plan to pursue a degree in business and continue playing soccer however as of now I haven’t committed as I continue exploring my options.

·      Have you played at club or academy level? If so, what was your experience like playing for a club?

I play at club level for New Braunfels Ajax; I give a lot of credit to my coaches there for turning me into the player I am today. I enjoy how different the experience is at club level compared to high school, we work a lot more on the technical side of soccer at club practices which I enjoy and in addition we get to compete against a wider variety of teams. In club games we travel all over Texas and even outside of it to compete and I enjoy challenging myself against such a variety of opponents.

·      What advice would you give kids and underclassmen looking to play Varsity High School soccer?

Photo: Canyon Soccer Twitter

My biggest advice would be the old cliché of continuing working hard and improving on any weakness you may have, but also, I would throw in patience to be a necessary factor. With so many players vying for a spot your chance won’t always come right when you feel you deserve it but when it does you have to be sure to grab it with both hands.

·        What is your pregame ritual? Do you have a favorite song, meal, or other thing you do prior to a game?

Before every game I put on my headphones and listen to gospel music. It really helps me focus on the game and drown out any troubles that may be distracting me. Then after we break out, I’ll say a prayer asking for a win and safety for me and my teammates.

·        What are some important lessons and advice you have learned from your High School Soccer coach?

The biggest lesson given to me by Coach Rush wasn’t something he directly stated but he’s shown me the importance of taking your opportunities when given. He’s given me the mentality to make an impact in whichever game I play in, whether I play a minute or the full match, and this is a mindset that’s been instrumental in my development as a player.