Cabrera Shines on the Soccer Field for Leps

La Grange High School junior Jeffrey Cabrera has emerged as a star for the Leps soccer team this season, a year after suffering a serious knee injury.

He had goals in each of the Leps’ district wins last week as they have started 2-2 in district play and are 6-5-1 overall.

“He’s a great kid,” said La Grange boys soccer coach Brodney Pool. “He’s bounced back from last year, being injured. He does anything you ask him. He doesn’t complain, he changes positions more than anybody. He works hard, works until he’s exhausted. He’s a kid that any coach would love to coach.”

We’re proud to honor Jeffrey Cabrera as this week’s Fayette County Athlete of the Week.

Here’s our interview with him:

How has the soccer season been going?

“It’s been going great lately. We’ve had some errors. We can do better.”

Talk about your road back to the field from injury?

“It’s been a lot of exercising and physical therapy. It’s been a year ... The first game of the season, when I stepped on that field, I knew this team had potential. That made me motivated.”

Favorite pro soccer player and favorite team?

“(Lionel) Messi, of course. He’s always been my idol ever since I started watching soccer. A few of my moves, I get from him.

My favorite team is Barcelona and in the Premiere League, Liverpool.”

When did you start playing soccer?

“Probably when I was five ... I played in leagues in different towns, Columbus, La Grange, El Campo ... I also joined by Dad’s Sunday League team when I was 12.”

What was that like?

“That helped me a lot. Me being the smallest one out there it was a challenge, but I got away with a few things, so that was nice.”

Favorite class in school?

“History. Some people might find it boring but I find it really interesting.”

What are your plans for the future?

“My dream job would be playing soccer with the pros, but what I really want to do is become an electrician, to study that at TSTC in Waco.”

What is something about Jeffrey Cabrera that few people know?

“That I’m not really the type to play video games. I’m a guy that goes outside a lot, and a lot of people can’t say that.”

You obviously have the best first name on the soccer team (sharing it with this newspaper reporter). Do you go by anything else?

“I have a few nicknames – Jeff, and last football season they would call be ‘jefe’ (Spanish for ‘boss’).

What is your favorite place to eat in La Grange and what is your go-to order there?

“The one I like best is the Taco Shack. I get the combination with rice or fajita with rice and beans.”

What will make it a successful soccer season?

“Just playing as a team and communicating, doing what we do best.”