Spotlight Series: The Heredia Siblings – Audrey & DJ
This month, our Spotlight Series focuses on two incredible young athletes: Audrey and DJ Heredia. It has been an absolute pleasure having these two game changers as part of our academy since April 2022. They began their journey with us in the Future Stars Academy (ages 3-9) and are now in our Beginner Academy (ages 10-13), both stepping onto the field with no prior knowledge of soccer but an eagerness to learn and grow.
From the very beginning, their openness to learning and their passion for the sport have fueled their remarkable progress. Today, Audrey and DJ are true testaments to the importance of ball mastery at a young age. Through consistent training and dedication, they’ve developed not only individual confidence but also a natural ability to control the ball, make decisions, and stay calm under pressure.
At Twelfth, we firmly believe that the key to creating long-term soccer players is allowing them to fall in love with the game first. Once that passion is ignited, we focus on helping them develop as confident, independent players. One of the most important aspects of this approach is teaching players to keep the ball at their feet, to not be afraid to control it, and to make decisions on the ball. This is something we believe every youth player needs to master, we call this ball mastery.
How often do we see young players running to the ball, kicking it away instinctively, or feeling unsure about what to do next? Too often, right? But when you watch Audrey and DJ play, you immediately notice the difference. These two players step confidently onto the ball, embrace possession, and make deliberate decisions. They are not reactive; they are in control. They are game changers.
The Journey: From Beginners to Confident Players
Of course, this didn’t happen overnight. Audrey and DJ’s growth has been a result of consistent, focused training and the unwavering support of their parents, who have kept them in our academy for the past two years. Over this time, they’ve worked diligently on developing their motor skills and refining their ball control—always improving, always growing.
When they first joined, Audrey and DJ were shy and quiet. They would watch eagerly at the start of each session, anxious to see what the next practice would bring. But the environment at Twelfth allowed them to develop at their own pace. With each passing week, they gained more confidence—both in their abilities and as individuals. Today, they stand tall, not just as soccer players, but as self-assured, confident young athletes.
Watching them now, we are constantly impressed by the way they carry the ball at their feet, their fluid movements, and their ability to keep the ball under control in challenging situations. They’ve truly internalized the values we aim to instill in all our players. This dynamic duo is a shining example of the power of our curriculum and the long-term vision we hold for player development.
A Commitment to Growth
The progress Audrey and DJ have made over the past two years has been extraordinary. At the start, they faced challenges with certain motor skills, which were even harder to master with a soccer ball at their feet. But their commitment and determination have paid off. Today, their ball mastery is among the cleanest we’ve seen from any of our academy players.
Beyond their technical improvements, what truly stands out is their resilience. Both Audrey and DJ have faced challenges, struggled with new skills, and pushed through moments of frustration. But with each obstacle, they’ve grown stronger—not only as soccer players but as individuals. They’ve learned the importance of perseverance, dedication, and a positive mindset.
What’s Next for Audrey and DJ?
We don’t know where their soccer journeys will take them—whether they will go on to play competitively or pursue professional soccer. But what we do know is this: Audrey and DJ have already achieved something invaluable. They have developed key life skills like commitment, resilience, and dedication. They’ve learned how to overcome challenges, work through obstacles, and enjoy the process of growth. These are the qualities that will serve them in everything they do, both on and off the field.
If Audrey and DJ stepped onto a soccer field tomorrow, outside of our academy, we have no doubt they would stand confidently on their own two feet and hold their own against any opponent. More importantly, as they continue to develop, they are carrying with them the lessons they’ve learned through soccer—the importance of hard work, resilience, and unwavering dedication.
We’re incredibly proud of all they’ve accomplished, and we’re excited to see where their journey takes them. We know this is just the beginning for these two incredible young athletes and we are more than grateful to continue to have such incredible young players being part of Twelfth Soccer Academy.
