Renton High School, whose teams are known as the RedHawkS, and whose colors are red and white, competed in the competitive KingCo League within the 2A classification of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). The Renton varsity boy’s soccer team plays their home games at Renton Memorial Stadium. While the team had a regular season record of 4-10-1 in 2024-2025, they demonstrated their potential with a recent run in the KingCo League playoffs. Notably, the program reached the state tournament in 2024 for the first time in nearly four decades, highlighting a significant moment in the school’s soccer history.
Emilio, a player on the Renton varsity soccer team, was interviewed to gain perspective on their journey through the 2025 KingCo League playoffs.
What’s your biggest takeaway from the playoffs?
My biggest takeaway from the playoffs is that teamwork and determination can lead a football team to victory, even if they aren’t the most talented individually.
What was the toughest part about the Cedarcrest game?
The hardest part of the game against Cedarcrest was that the other team had to adapt to their constantly changing offensive strategy.
What are you most proud of from your team in the tournament?
I’m very proud of the resilience my team demonstrated in the soccer tournament.
How did the team feel after the last game?
The football team felt a mixture of relief and pride for everything we had accomplished together.
What’s one thing the team can improve on for next year?
For the next soccer season, the team can improve its on-field communication and work hard on more effective strategies to defend against fast-paced attacks and maintain a positive mindset.
What was the biggest surprise about playing in the playoffs?
The best surprise could be anything from an unexpected moment in a game during the playoffs to discovering new friendships on the team or making friends.
What did it mean to the team to have this run in the playoffs?
Having this run in the playoffs means the team has overcome many trials and challenges, demonstrating a high level of skill, dedication, and teamwork. It’s an achievement that generates pride and recognition for both the players and Renton High School.
Who on the team stood out during the tournament?
The team’s defense stood out a lot because they played with desire and everything they had to and gave their best.
What did you personally learn from this tournament?
The importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, I also learned to handle pressure, celebrate triumphs, and get up after defeats.
What’s your message to Renton High about your team’s effort?
It is the heart of every victory. Keep working together, supporting each other, and pursuing your dreams with passion.
Through Emilio’s perspective, we gain a real sense of Renton varsity soccer’s journey in the playoffs. While their run ended with the match against Cedarcrest, his words reveal a team that competed with resilience and learned valuable lessons about teamwork and overcoming challenges. Reaching this level of the playoffs was a meaningful achievement for the RedHawkS, and Emilio’s reflections offer a glimpse into the dedication and growth that came from the experience. It is clear that the team’s unity and determination were key factors in their playoff journey, leaving a lasting impression of their commitment to the Renton High community. His message to the Renton High School community emphasizes the heart the team brought to the field.
