A gratifying and strong finish to the 2025 season for the Columbia Heights High School boys’ varsity soccer team has officially made it a memorable year with several talented seniors, one of them being Amjad Mohamed! The class of 2026 captain who’s been truly dedicated to the sport was chosen to be a part of the Minnesota State High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State Class AA Second Team, a soccer team that selects the top players from Minnesota schools for their outstanding performance. Selected by his coach Hector Leon for being a perfect candidate for the state team, The Heights Herald spoke with Mohamed to get a small glimpse into this exciting achievement and opportunity.
HH: Why’d you decide to join and stick with soccer throughout your high school years?
Mohamed: I started playing soccer when I was about five years old, and I’ve stuck with it because I truly love the game and the community around it. I moved to Columbia Heights in 2010, and my two older brothers and two of my closest cousins graduated from Columbia Heights High School, so it’s always felt like home to me.
HH: What were your initial thoughts when you found out that you were selected for the All-State team?
Mohamed: Being selected for the All-State team was an amazing honor. I felt proud and grateful for all the support I’ve had from my coaches, teammates and family.
HH: What advice would you give to upcoming players?
Mohamed: “My advice to younger players would be to stay consistent, work hard and always enjoy the process. The love for the game should come first. Also, I really like our school, the teachers, coaches and all my classmates have made my experience here great. So I would say trust your peers and mentors.”
HH: How did Coach Leon and/or your teammates help you become the outstanding player you’ve become?
Mohammed: “Coach Hector has pushed me a lot and helped me believe in myself. My teammates motivate me too. We [are] always pushing each other to get better.”
HH: Which professional soccer player inspires you to be the best on the field, and how?
Mohamed: The player who inspires me most is Mohamed Salah. I really respect how humble and hardworking he is. He shows that consistency and faith can take you far.
HH: How do you balance academics and sports successfully, especially when putting in so many hours on the field?
Mohammed: Balancing school and soccer isn’t easy, but I stay organized as best as I [can] and try to get my homework done early so I can focus on training later.
Leaving an everlasting impact on the CHHS boys’ varsity soccer team, this passionate player deserves all the congratulations he’s getting for his accomplishment. Like Mohamed said, “the love for the game should come first,” reminding future players to keep a positive attitude and stay at it—now that’s true Hylander pride!
