East Central Soccer Team Helps Support Player Through Grief

The East Central Cardinals are having quite the season. The Cardinals have a 3-1 record, with districts beginning next week. For one of the Cardinals, getting the chance to suit up on the pitch with his teammates means a lot more.

This isn't a story about the game of soccer. This is a story about how being on a team can help someone though grief. Emiliano Garcia saw his whole life change last March.

"My dad passed away. One of the tires on the car, it popped, and he lost control of the wheel and he flew out the window onto the different road and he got ran over by a different car," said East Central soccer player, Emiliano Garcia.

Although Emiliano is the youngest of seven siblings, he's taken on the role of leader at home.

"Since I'm the youngest, I see everything and I learn and just give feedback to whoever needs help. I like being the helper at the house," said Garcia.

Even with all the adversity that Emiliano has had to go through, the team that is behind him is more than a team -- it's family.

"I love this team, they are all my brothers and I want to see them be successful, and be successful playing here is one of those big moments," said Garcia. On days like this, it means even more.

"Today is his birthday. He was turning 60. I think of him a lot and yeah I miss him," said Garcia.

"You just have to keep moving forward and keep trying my best and hope for a successful life," said, Garcia.