Athlete of the Week: Francesco “Checo” Sánchez, Windermere boys soccer

The 2023-24 season was historic for the Windermere High boys soccer program. The team won its first-ever regional title and finished with a 16-2-1 record, largely thanks to its seniors — who combined to score 58 of its 85 total goals. 

Despite more than two-thirds of Windermere’s offensive production graduating — including top scorer and Gatorade Florida Boys Soccer Player of the Year Jose Moyetones —  the question of how the Wolverines (7-1) would replace those goals in 2024-25 wasn’t much of a question at all, thanks to junior forward Francesco “Checo” Sánchez. 

Sánchez is not only leading Windermere to wins, but also he is on track to surpass Moyetones’ 2023-24 total of 26 goals. Through eight games, he’s scored 18 times and dished out four assists.

The Basics

Age: 17

Sport: Soccer 

Grade: Junior 

School: Windermere High

Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week? 

It’s a great honor to be named Athlete of the Week. This makes me feel like I’m on the right track, and it’s a motivation to keep working.

What do you like the most about soccer?

I enjoy the feeling of winning and the people I’ve met while playing this sport.

What is your goal for this season — for yourself and the team? 

I want to give my best for the team and help us become champions in every competition we’re in. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from soccer?

Soccer taught me that you can’t win all the time. But if you learn from your mistakes, you can move forward even better. 

What is your favorite soccer memory?

My favorite memory was when my team won a cup championship in Colombia. It was a very special moment for me.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Lionel Messi because he is the best soccer player in the world, and I love the way he plays.

Is there someone after whom you try to model your game?

Although I have my own style of play, I really like Messi’s style of play within the team.

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

Usually, I eat pasta with some sort of meat before a game.

What is your go-to pre-game hype song?

My favorite pre-game song is “Hay Lupita” by Lomiiel. 

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

I enjoy playing video games.

What is your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject is Spanish, because it’s my native language, and it’s much easier for me.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

I would bring food, water and a soccer ball.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is “Goal: The Dream Begins,” because it’s the story of a guy who came out of poverty and through his talent and hard work became a professional soccer player.

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

I would have dinner with my grandmother on my dad’s side. She passed away five years ago, and before that, I didn’t see her for eight years.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I don’t think I would want to go back in time.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to make good decisions and work harder so he could meet his goals.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

I would ask my future self if I become a professional soccer player.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would like to have the power to fly, because that way I could get places faster and travel the world.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go?

I would travel to Switzerland, Italy and Brazil. I have always wanted to visit those countries.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be?

I would be a lion, so I could be the king of the jungle.

What is your most controversial food take?

The most controversial food I like is iguana.