Tim Monihan and Farmers Insurance recognize boys varsity soccer player Simon Ruiz as the first Player of the Week for the spring sports season.

“I’ve made good connections with my teammates, which helps on and off the field,” Ruiz said. “When you build connections with your teammates, you’re going to have a better game and communication.”

Ruiz plays as a midfielder and forward for the Starr’s Mill boys varsity soccer team. He is also a senior captain with three years on varsity and one year on junior varsity. 

“I’ve grown a lot since freshman and sophomore year,” Ruiz said. “My role is different, and I’m now a leader. I plan to lead this team to a state championship.”

The team is 3-2-1 overall. The Panthers won their most recent game against Midtown, 1-0.

“[Ruiz] had a great start to our season. At our win at Midtown, he assisted our only goal in the game, and he leads our team with five assists the whole year, which is half of our goals,” boys soccer head coach Aaron Buck said. “He’s been a fantastic leader, and he’s helped lead our team on the right track.”

Both soccer teams travel to Whitewater tonight for a pair of region matches. The girls play at 6 p.m. with the boys game following after.