Chasing pro dreams

UTRGV junior forward Reshaun Walkes of Ontario, Canada, said he dreams of becoming a professional soccer player and believes playing in the Rio Grande Valley is his first step toward accomplishing that goal.

Walkes said he loves his home but has not visited in a couple of years because he has been chasing his dreams in America. 

He said his mom always said, “You got to chase your dream. You got to make sacrifices.” And that is what he is trying to achieve in the South Texas heat. 

Before transferring to UTRGV in 2020, Walkes tore up the National Junior College Athletic Association at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois, with 27 goals and 19 assists in 30 games. 

Walkes said his time at Lewis and Clark prepared him to make the transition to Division 1 soccer at UTRGV.

In his first season with UTRGV, Walkes posted five goals in eight games. 

The Rider asked Walkes what he thought about his first season at UTRGV.

“It’s better than what I expected, personally, just because I knew I didn’t know how the game worked, things of that sort,” he replied. “But I felt like the players involved me and got me used to how they play.”

In Walkes’ second season with the Vaqueros, he tallied eight goals and five assists in 13 games. 

He said it feels good to be the main contributor of the team but believes he can do better. 

With Walkes averaging a goal or assist per game, UTRGV head coach Bryheem Hancock told The Rider he thinks the forward is one of the best players in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and deserves recognition because of his work ethic on and off the field. 

“He works out, works hard every single day,” Hancock said. “Doesn’t take a day off. He hasn’t missed a session. Keeps himself very healthy, takes care of his body, which is also a big part of being on the field and being able to put in extra work. And our team and himself have benefited from that.” 

He said Walkes is now expected to carry the workload for the team and the winger has accepted that responsibility. 

“That’s why he’s doing extra work, so that he’s ready for those moments,” Hancock said.  “And I expect him to continue what he’s done all season for us. And not just scoring goals, but … the work he’s putting in defensively.” 

Sophomore forward Michael Washington describes Walkes on the field as a player who likes to dribble, is a clinical finisher and assists in any way he can, defensively. Washington said off the field, Walkes is a fun person who communicates with his teammates well and will always try to keep the team positive.    

“He’s been talking and he’s been working hard in training,” Washington said. “He knows that he should be getting some extra goals for us and extra assists, and he knows that. And that’s why he’s putting in extra work and training to help us provide for these last three games, because he knows that it’s a must-win.” 

Washington, who lived in Canada for a while, said his favorite memories with Walkes were when they were younger and had sleepovers every weekend at Walkes’ house. 

“He always took me in as family,” he said. “His family always provided for me. So, if anything, he’s always been a big brother to me.” 

Hancock describes Walkes as a “family guy” and said it correlates to why he works well with the team on the field. 

“He’s around the younger guys just as much as with the upperclassmen, which I think is important,” he said. “Because, you know, for those guys who’ve just gotten here, they’re still trying to get settled with their first semester. So, for him to give them advice on the field and off the field and be there to help them, I think that’s important. That shows family.” 

Asked what motivates him besides chasing a professional soccer contract, Walkes replied, “I’ve been cut from [the] Toronto [Football Club] pro team when I was younger. The first time it’s ever happened, and I felt I took that the right way instead of the wrong way because I could have just quit right then and there. But, I use it as motivation to get where I am today.” 

As of press time Friday, UTRGV sat in seventh place in the WAC standings with a 3-4 conference record. Having to go on the road for the last three games of the season, the Vaqueros must win out to secure a spot in the WAC tournament.

UTRGV was to first face Dixie State University last Friday, then challenge the University of Nevada Las Vegas last Sunday. Scores were not available at press time. Their final match is against the University of the Incarnate Word at 7 p.m. Saturday in San Antonio. 

“I feel we have to go to games with the right mindset,” Walkes said. “We can’t lay back and watch. We got to go in from the front foot and lay it on whatever team we play.” 

Soccer is part of every aspect of Walkes’ life, from his efforts during practice and games, uplifting his teammates and even on his down time when he plays FIFA video games or watches his favorite team, Arsenal from London. Walkes hopes to take his career to the next level after college.