Kristian Fuentes, soccer sensation for Newark Memorial High School, has been nominated the first male Athlete of the Month for Tri-City Voice in 2010.

Fuentes has tallied 10 goals over the course of the season, as well as five assists -- both team highs -- in leading the Cougars to a solid 11-3-1 record through the first weekend of the new year, including a 3-0 Mission Valley Athletic League record.

Cougars coach Rick Villa had this to say about his budding star:

"As a coach, I believe Kristian is the type of player who exemplifies what a student-athlete is. He works extremely hard on the field and he loves to compete. This is also evident in the classroom where he currently has a 3.83 GPA. He is a very respectful young man and the type of person you want representing your team and school. Because of these attributes, Kristian was selected as one of our team captains. He is a great role model for the younger members of our program."

Tri-City Voice caught up with Fuentes and here's what he had to say:

Tri-City Voice: Is soccer your best sport? If not, what is?
Kristian Fuentes: Soccer is for sure my best sport.

TCV: What other sports do you like to play?
KF: I like to play all sports, I also do pole vault for my school.

TCV: Do you envision playing soccer beyond high school?
KF: Yes, I plan to play soccer in college.

TCV: What are your strengths of the game?
KF: My strengths are playing a smart game.

TCV: Do you have any pre- or post-game superstitions?
KF: I try to eat one sour patch kid before the game.

TCV: If you aren't on the soccer field, what are you doing?
KF: I'm eating or doing home work.

TCV: Where to you hope to attend college when you're through with high school? What do you plan to study?
KF: I want to go to San Jose State or San Francisco State. I want to study some sort of engineering.

TCV: What's your favorite subject?
KF: My favorite subject is science.

TCV: Favorite food?
KF: Pizza or hamburgers

TCV: Favorite music?
KF: I like to listen to all types of music.

TCV: Favorite movie?
KF: My favorite movie is the inside man.

TCV: Favorite soccer team? Player?
KF: My favorite team is FC Barcelona, and my favorite player is Thierry Henry.

TCV: Heroes/Role models?
KF: My role model is my dad.

TCV: After your playing career is over, what are your plans in life?
KF: I plan on staying involved with soccer and staying healthy.

TCV: And last, but not least, how many juggles can you do with a soccer ball?
KF: I can only juggle 264 times