Interview with Asaf Iron-Jobes
By Jordan Kim
Asaf Iron-Jobes is a junior center midfielder for the Garfield soccer team. After playing on JVC his freshmen year and not having a season last year, he has stepped into a starting position on the team. Asaf told us about his season and his soccer experience at Garfield High School.
Why do you play soccer?
“I started playing soccer very early because of my friends and family. I have grown to love the creativity and teamwork aspects of the game. I enjoy playing and competing at the highest level I can.”
How did you get introduced into playing soccer?
“My uncle is a big soccer fan. When visiting him when I was young, we would watch games together and he would explain the tactics, especially those of FC Barcelona. I also had close friends that have played soccer like Garfield dual sports athlete Ioan Street who I have played soccer with my whole life.
What are your personal goals for the rest of the season?
“I am focused on one day and one game at a time. My goal is to help the team win and give my 100%. With such a short season, it’s important to me to stay focused on helping the team improve and perform to the highest degree of excellence.”
What do you like more about Garfield soccer compared to your club soccer team?
“I like the camaraderie that the players and coaches have developed. Coach Carlos has created a supportive environment that makes me look forward to every practice and game. I feel that the players are playing for something bigger than themselves when they step on the pitch. I would compare playing high school soccer to when a professional player plays for their country.”
What challenges has the pandemic impacted your soccer career and how have you overcame those problems?
“This year has been difficult with different schedules and many more restrictions for playing. Garfield did a good job of doing safe pre-season practices and workouts which helped me a lot. Coaches Lampton and Oliver have been very helpful throughout the COVID pandemic with the Soccer program. They organized workouts and practices last year to help us stay fit and sharp during quarantine and this year have been very involved with the program.”
Do you plan to play soccer when you graduate from high school?
“Yes, that is my plan right now”
Why do you play soccer?
“I started playing soccer very early because of my friends and family. I have grown to love the creativity and teamwork aspects of the game. I enjoy playing and competing at the highest level I can.”
How did you get introduced into playing soccer?
“My uncle is a big soccer fan. When visiting him when I was young, we would watch games together and he would explain the tactics, especially those of FC Barcelona. I also had close friends that have played soccer like Garfield dual sports athlete Ioan Street who I have played soccer with my whole life.
What are your personal goals for the rest of the season?
“I am focused on one day and one game at a time. My goal is to help the team win and give my 100%. With such a short season, it’s important to me to stay focused on helping the team improve and perform to the highest degree of excellence.”
What do you like more about Garfield soccer compared to your club soccer team?
“I like the camaraderie that the players and coaches have developed. Coach Carlos has created a supportive environment that makes me look forward to every practice and game. I feel that the players are playing for something bigger than themselves when they step on the pitch. I would compare playing high school soccer to when a professional player plays for their country.”
What challenges has the pandemic impacted your soccer career and how have you overcame those problems?
“This year has been difficult with different schedules and many more restrictions for playing. Garfield did a good job of doing safe pre-season practices and workouts which helped me a lot. Coaches Lampton and Oliver have been very helpful throughout the COVID pandemic with the Soccer program. They organized workouts and practices last year to help us stay fit and sharp during quarantine and this year have been very involved with the program.”
Do you plan to play soccer when you graduate from high school?
“Yes, that is my plan right now”