Heritage boys soccer senior measures success when he leaves field

Benchmarks and measurements of success are often marked by production on the field, such as goals scored or shut-outs registered.

But Colleyville Heritage soccer player James Tanaka said his measuring stick sits on the sideline.

“I measure success when I come off the field,” Tanaka said. “It’s measured by seeing if we got the result and by how I feel when I know I did the best I could.”

With the recent two consecutive playoff seasons, most would say Tanaka and the rest of the Panthers are having success. They are making the playoffs from a district loaded with some of the region’s best teams.

Tanaka, a senior who has been on the varsity squad since his sophomore year, is a mainstay defender at outside-back. His experience, along with other returning players and a roster which boasts a senior-laden class, should give Heritage another strong defense for this season.

“You have to be leaders in the back of the field,” Tanaka explained. “You see everything going on in front of you.

“We have some younger players, with sophomores and even a freshman on varsity. You have to show them the ropes,” Tanaka said. “I learned when I was younger that they look up to the seniors – even the juniors.”

And part of what Tanaka passes on is what was handed down to him as a sophomore: “Always give your best effort.”

In addition to a committed work ethic which Tanaka demonstrated in the off-season playing select leagues, he said he feels much of his ability to defend is on his skills and size.

“I’m bigger, tall and strong enough to body people off the ball,” the 6-2, 170-pound senior said.

He said he plays a hard, physical style and never gives up.

“My style of play is based more on the other team’s play,” Tanaka said “I fit my style to them. We all just do whatever it takes to win.”

During the summer, though, Tanaka said his Cross Fit training helped his speed in addition to improving his technical skills.

What remains ahead now is to put it all together and help the team earn a third-straight playoff appearance.

And what Tanaka said will take them there is the collective work ethic of the team and a “no excuses and hold each other accountable” environment.

The season will kickoff soon, but not soon enough for Tanaka and the Panthers. A scrimmage will be held in early January with the first game by the middle of the month.

“High school has flown by so fast. This season seems to get closer and closer but still seems so far away,” the anxious Tanaka said.

“The goal is to just go as far as we can this year,” he said. “I’m just so excited for the season.”

This story was originally published December 28, 2015 at 9:43 PM with the headline "Heritage boys soccer senior measures success when he leaves field."