CVSN Local Spotlight #2 - R.M. Boys 25/26 DEL Champions

Welcome back to the second installment of the CVSN Spotlight series. Thank you to everyone who has been eagerly waiting for our newest article and updates.

We would like to begin by thanking our wonderful guest, Carlos Calixto, the man behind the clipboard, the director, the conductor, the tactician, and to his players, simply Coach. In this piece, we get an inside look at the team that scored an impressive 86 goals and finished ranked 15th in California and 85th nationwide this season.

Behind every successful team on the field, there is someone responsible for putting the pieces together and believing that success is possible, no matter the challenges. A coach does more than set out cones, lead team huddles, and pick lineups. A true coach is a leader who offers solutions to players who cannot always see them. Success speaks for itself, but it begins with vision and belief.

Anyone can run drills and write names on a lineup, but getting players to speak the same soccer language is the real victory. Much praise and recognition are owed to both Coach Calixto and the Rancho Mirage boys team for their hard work and for earning their place in DEL history. In this piece, we hear directly from Coach Calixto, as well as standout players Jerome Carter and Iker Sabillon.

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RMHS COACH CARLOS CALIXTO CVSN  Q & A

How long have you been coaching local soccer, and what makes Rancho Mirage different from other local high school programs?

CC: 20 + years. Discipline, Team 1st. No special treatment to any player regardless of skills.

How would you describe your coaching philosophy in one sentence?

CC: Discipline/respect, strong fundamentals, team first, mental toughness, and accountability. 

What’s one key thing you focus on in training to help players grow? Is there one core principle, or are there specific training drills?

CC: Train with intensity and try to apply speed to all drills. Become better after each practice.

What words would you use to describe your team's playstyle and culture this season?

CC: I ask the boys to make sense of each play, avoid forcing plays, only the goalkeeper had a set position; everyone else played multiple positions, and the ability to change formations during our games.

What has been the biggest challenge your team has had to overcome this year, and how did they handle it? 

CC: The pressure of being undefeated was tough. Hating to lose a game to re-engage was a big lesson.

The Coachella Valley has a deep pool of soccer talent. What makes playing in this specific region so special or competitive in your eyes?

CC: Yes. A good percentage of kids play Club year-round, and that helps to make the competition stronger. 

What is the number one piece of advice you would give to a young club player in the valley who is hoping to make your varsity squad in the future?

CC: Play/train year-round, compete in a high-level environment. Play multiple positions. Be fit and ready for HS soccer.

When your players eventually graduate or move on from the program, what is the main life lesson you hope they take away from their time on this team?

CC: Embrace and Welcome competition. They will compete for the rest of their life, no matter what they do. Accountability and communication are key factors in all environments.

What’s been your proudest moment as a coach this season?

CC: Seeing my players engaged throughout the season, all pushing towards the same goal.

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IKER SABILLON 

Games Played: 17

Goals: 14

Assists: 4

Who or what motivates you to give your best every day, and why?

IS: I would say my family, and especially my mother, motivates me to do my best every day because of the sacrifices they made for me. They try every day to make me happy, and me playing this sport “soccer” and showcasing my skills/talent makes them proud. As well as doing great things off the field, such as doing good in school and being a great person.

Which pro player do you think your game most closely resembles?

IS: A pro player that I think closely resembles my game is I would say Lamine Yamal 

What’s the most memorable game or moment this season or in all four years?

IS: One of the most memorable moments of my Rancho Mirage high school soccer career is starting off with my freshman year 22-23 season, Scoring a top left banger outside the box against the Division 5 champs, Palm Desert, Aztecs. As well as having a great time with the class of 2023 seniors, they help me develop as a player to handle playing against players 2 or 3 years older than me. I would say my sophomore season 23-24 year was a big letdown for my family and me because I couldn’t play due to Academic eligibility. It haunts me that I couldn’t play with my older brother in his last year. I still managed to play in the Oceanside tournament that year. My junior year 24-25 season. In August, I left Rancho Mirage High School to move to LA before the school year started to pursue my soccer career. I played MLS Next in LA all year. I made a big decision to do this, and I was glad I did it. I wasn’t happy at Rancho Mirage or the Coachella Valley after my sophomore year, leading into junior year.

Then comes my senior year and season, which is 25-26 year. I knew I wanted to go back to Rancho Mirage High School to leave a fantastic legacy and win DEL, CIF, and State. Overall, it was a great season with a bunch of highs and one low, which ended our unbeaten streak. My backflip and celebration mask were memorable.

What advice would you give a younger kid just starting soccer in the CV?

IS: My advice to the younger kids just starting soccer in the Coachella Valley is to never give up, keep going and keep pursuing your dreams and always believe in yourself and eventually, Coachella Valley Soccer will have so many opportunities in the future to get better.

What will you miss about playing here, and what are your plans for the future?

IS: Well, I will miss playing here at Rancho Mirage High School; the atmosphere and the fan base. I would say obviously playing for the boys. It’s been a great time, playing with these boys, older and younger, as well as a great time playing with my Coach. I’ll miss all the bus rides to the games and eating with the boys, too. I’ll miss all the girls watching me. Play in the stands, celebrating in front of them. I’ll miss all the glaze from the teachers. I really appreciate all of them, shout out Mr. J, shout out Mr. Castillo. My plan for the future is to pursue playing soccer at a high level, earning an education, and serving MY country.

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Jerome Carter

Games Played: 17

Goals: 26

Assists: 11

Who or what motivates you to give your best every day, and why?

JC: My parents motivate me the most. They’re always pushing me in sports and school, making sure I become the best version of myself. I’m also very hard on myself because I know what I’m capable of. I hold myself to a high standard and expect greatness every day.

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Which pro player do you think your game most closely resembles?

JC: That’s for the world to decide. I’ve never tried to model my game after just one player. I focus on being my own player and creating my own name.

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What’s the most memorable game or moment this season or in all four years?

JC: Winning the league and scoring four goals in that game is definitely my number one moment. I’ll also always remember my freshman year and how the upperclassmen welcomed and treated me. That meant a lot and helped me grow.

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What advice would you give a younger kid just starting soccer in the CV?

JC: It’s not easy out here. If you really want strong competition, sometimes you have to go out of town to find it, as I did. Work hard, stay focused, and don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t become. Prove people wrong.

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What will you miss about playing here, and what are your plans for the future?

JC: I’ll miss the environment, the conversations, the long bus rides, and just the feeling of being a teenager playing high school soccer. But now it’s time for the next level. After high school, I’m going to compete at the professional level and show people who I am.

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Success speaks for itself, but it starts wi.th a vision and belief.

The story of Rancho Mirage Boys soccer this season goes way beyond stats and final scores. It is about discipline, belief, and the bond between a coach and his players.  From Coach Calixto setting the standard every day to leaders like Iker Sabillon and Jerome Carter pushing through setbacks and big moments, this team showed they are a powerhouse to not be taken lightly.

They did not just win games. They built a culture. The early mornings, long bus rides, packed stands, and shared goals all added up to a season that will stick with them and with this school for a long time. For the younger players in the Coachella Valley watching from the sidelines or the bleachers, this team is proof that if you work, stay locked in, and believe in your people, you can turn big dreams into real memories.

As these players move on to whatever comes next, they are leaving more than banners and records behind. They are leaving a legacy at Rancho Mirage that will inspire the next generation to aim higher, compete harder, and know that history is something you can create together. 

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Thank you all for taking the time to read this article. CVSN is here for the valley and the locals.

Ready to support all local clubs, coaches, and players. If there's anyone you think deserves a special interview to be part of the Local Legend pack, drop their name below or message us on Instagram @coachellavalleysn.

Don’t forget to show your support for the Lady Arabs as they face Marin Catholic for the CIF Division IV State Title this Friday, March 13th. We look forward to hearing from everyone across the valley!