Standing at 6’4, freshman center back Ayush Hotha stepped forward into Priory High’s penalty box, preparing to attack a corner as the largest aerial threat on the varsity soccer team. After a long pass in the air and a cut back to the top of the six-yard box, the ball sailed into the back of the net, securing a 2-1 win for the Falcons and earning him the Player of the Match award for the Dec. 6 preseason tournament match.
For almost as long as he can remember, he has played and loved the sport. He began playing at 4 and joined a club soccer team, the De Anza Force, at 7. Following his time at De Anza Force, he switched to Bay Area Surf’s MLS Next Academy Division team, which has been his home ever since.
As he entered high school, Hotha knew that making the varsity team was extremely achievable for a player of his caliber, despite being younger than everyone else on the team. But before tryouts, he suffered from an ankle injury that left him sidelined for nine weeks.
Even with the injury, which forced him to wear a brace, he impressed coach Conor McGoldrick, who picked him for the varsity squad. He is the first freshman to play on varsity since senior captain Vihaan Bhaduri.
“I was a little bit stressed getting to know the players and how high school soccer will be, considering how it was a new environment for me,” Hotha said. “Over time, though, I have adapted and been able to fit in very well.”
In their first match of the season, Hotha proved to be a key defensive player off the bench in the team’s 6-0 victory over Oak Grove High. He demonstrated his value as a player who could play both in the defense and midfield for the team. What he lacked in the physical and faster pace of play in high school soccer experience he made up for in size as the tallest player on the field with technical skill, quick-thinking and effective movements on both the defensive and offensive side of the ball.
Hotha’s breakout game came against Priory High in the Falcons’ second game of the season, having a brilliant performance as a defensive player to hold Priory to only one goal.
Since that match, Hotha was named a starting player by McGoldrick, playing nearly every minute of the following matches. The team has struggled so far in tough De Anza league competition, holding an 0-6 record as of Jan. 222. The Falcons are 3-8-1 overall.
Hotha said he hopes to continue being a crucial player for both his school and club teams through high school.
Beyond high school, Hotha is dreaming big about his path forward in the sport.
“My dream is to eventually play for college,” Hotha said. “I have been going to identification camps over the summer to get exposure and show coaches my skills.”
