Sophomore Ruben Gonzalez is an integral part of both the varsity soccer and basketball teams. He made both teams as a freshman, a rare feat in high school sports. It is already uncommon for a student to letter in multiple sports, but two sports in the same season is a scheduling dilemma. Balancing practices, games, and schoolwork has been a challenge for Gonzalez, but the experience has been well worth it.

“It is really hard balancing all of them out, but I try finishing all my homework during class or whenever I have any sort of free time,” Gonzalez said.

Most people would think Gonzalez has a tough time keeping up in school, but he impressively maintains all A’s and B’s.

Gonzalez started playing organized basketball when he was seven years old, but his dad first put a basketball in his hand at the age of one. Gonzalez started playing soccer when he was five. He participates in year round competitive soccer with the local team, Carlsbad Lightning.

“I enjoy playing basketball more because it is faster paced and you get more touches and can score more points,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez wants to give a special thanks to Coach Riccitelli and Coach Ogden for allowing him to play both sports. They work out their conflicting schedules to help him make as many games and practices as possible. So far this season Gonzalez has played in more basketball than soccer games, but still has four goals in as many games.

Gonzalez’s biggest influence in life is his sister. She has gone through many surgeries because she was born with spinal defects.

“She does everything any normal child does which really inspires me. She is simply amazing,” Gonzalez said.

The talented Gonzalez may face a tough decision in a few years when he picks a sport to play in college. Gonzalez says if he had the choice, basketball would be his pick, but admits soccer gives him a better chance.

“I have heard it is pretty much impossible to play both soccer and basketball in college,” Gonzalez said.

But he was told the same thing about high school.