Good Sports: Reedley native now with Chivas at just 18 years old

REEDLEY, Calif. (KFSN) -- At just 18 years old, Kevin Garcia has already accomplished one of his dreams.

Kevin was transferred to one of the most popular pro soccer clubs in Mexico, and for the Reedley native, it's still a "pinch me" moment.

"It just gives me shivers still, how I'm here," he said.

Kevin has played the game for as long as he can remember, but the sport wasn't just an after-school hobby.

At one point, he was playing on three different club teams. The game always brought Kevin back to Reedley Sports Park.

At just 16, Kevin turned pro, joining Central Valley Fuego in their final season as a part of USL League One. He then continued to hone his skills with Fuego FC.

"I feel like it helped me grow because I was put in a spot where people were older than me and had more experience," Garcia said. "Fuego was for sure one of them that helped me realize my talent, and I'm very grateful for Fuego for everything they have done for me."

From Fuego FC, Kevin was transferred to Chivas de Guadalajara, a pro team that competes in the highest league of Mexican football. For the family, Chivas has a special meaning.

"Our grandfather just passed away a year ago," says Andreina Garcia. "He was actually a big Chivas fan. When we found out that he (Kevin) was going to join the Chivas, we were like, he's living my grandpa's dream. Now he's going to have a guardian angel."

Now training in Mexico, being away from his family reminds Kevin of why he plays the game.

"They spent quite a lot of money on me," he said. "I promised them I would try my best. I was going to pay them back. I always made that promise. I had this drive always in me. I still have it. I'm always giving it my all. I always have my why, and they are for sure my why."

What started as a small-town kid with a dream became a reality.

"The young ones, the ones that still have a dream in them, keep striving, keep having the same consistency," Garcia said. "Give their best. Doors can open up, and you never know who's watching.

"It feels good that someone from such a small town is becoming someone big," Andreina said. "It's something really good for the little kids that are trying to live the dream just like Kevin is."

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