
05 Sep Diego Luna – Back for More; Year Two at Barça Residency Academy
September 5, 2019
1:13 PM MDT
Player Insider: Diego Luna
Since my time here at the Academy, I learned how to play the Barça way by adopting Barça’s methodology. I learned how to be more professional by having my locker cleaned, being on time for meetings and training, and taking care of my body. I also learned how to be independent because my parents are not here to guide me in making good decisions like getting up on time, eating right, and sleeping well. A major milestone for me was my 15-pound weight loss. I am better able to maintain my stamina, speed, and concentration with this weight loss.
In school last year, I started with a very low GPA and ended up reaching Honor Roll. This year, I hope to end with at least a 3.5 GPA to be better positioned for the colleges I want to attend. On the pitch, I reached my goal of becoming a smarter player who anticipated potential plays on the pitch. Throughout the year, I was not comfortable and had a rough transition, but towards the end of the year I showed my coaches and teammates why I was worth investing in. I scored 7 goals in the last three games, and this year I want to be even better.
Barça Residency Academy or attend one of its camps
At Barça, my main goals were to work on the areas my coaches told me needed improvement. I worked on recovery on the defensive side – learning to always get behind the ball, and be in a position that if we lose the ball to recover it. I took my coach’s advice and began working on being more of a leader by using positive communication and doing my job on and off the ball (play well even without the ball). I learned that I need to have a good mentality (so don’t be negative with myself or with other players), and work on endurance (maintaining a healthy diet and continue running on my free time – cardio).
My decision to return to Barça was difficult because I left my family, friends, and home. I knew that not returning to Barça would be a mistake because last year was an amazing experience making friends and bonding with my teammates. I knew I did not reach my full potential last year, so I am even more motivated this year to be the best I can be in the classroom and on the pitch.