A shared love of the game ties the Gutierrez family to Poteau soccer through both the boys and girls programs. “We love Poteau and representing them on the field,” Salvador Gutierrez, said. “This is our kids’ hometown, and they take great pride in representing Poteau.”
For Jacob, that pride runs through the middle of the pitch. “I play striker, cam and winger but my main position is the cam,” he said. “The most challenging part about my position is making decisions under pressure. Being the cam is being the heartbeat of the team.” His understanding of the game has grown with each season. “My game has improved from when I first started playing by my understanding of the game being better,” Jacob said. “I know how to break a team’s back line and make movements off the ball and being more confident and technical on the ball.”
He also has a clear vision for what he wants to accomplish. “My goals right now are to get the scoring record of most goals in a season,” he said. “The record is 23 and right now I have 10. My team goals are being district champs and bringing back a state title.” Jacob said his teammates see that drive. “My teammates would describe me as a great leader and an encouraging teammate,” he said. “As a player they would say my passing and awareness on the ball is pure class.”
Aaliyah is following close behind in both position and passion. “The position I play is attacking mid/striker, what I love most about both is I get to show off my technical skills and score goals,” she said. “I would describe my playing style by saying I have good vision over the field.” She’s already training at the next level. “I am currently in 8th grade going on a freshman but once I get into high school soccer, I hope to make lots of memories but currently I am practicing with the high school team!”
Her biggest influence is never far away. “Someone who has influenced me the most is my older brother Jacob because he is very hardworking and pushes himself to be the best and I hope I can be as good as he is one day,” Aaliyah said. She takes a lot of pride in wearing Poteau colors. “Being a Poteau Pirate means to me a lot because I get to honor my school and show how much time and hard work, we put into the sports we play and love!”
The stands are almost always full of family. “My wife and I make it a point to make every practice and games,” Salvador said. “It is hard at times however we know there will be a time where we will miss all of it. So, we try to enjoy every second of it.” He traces that commitment back to the previous generation. “Soccer is a big part of our family,” he said. “My father Salvador Gutierrez II (Jacob and Aaliyah’s grandfather) was a great soccer player he was always hard on me, but I knew he meant well. I took his coaching, work ethic and love for the game and instilled it onto my kids. Soccer has been in the Gutierrez family for decades. Hopefully, my son Jacob and my daughter Aaliyah continue on with the tradition.”
