Hays’ Tamon Miyahara in Austin, Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Faces off the field gives a revealing look into the thoughts and lives of high school student-athletes in the Austin area. Today we highlight Hays soccer player Tamon Miyahara, whose soccer passion has an international flair.
All about Tamon: Future biomedical engineer honors Messi
What’s something about you that most people don’t know?
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Most people don’t know that I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. I grew up there playing soccer and I’ve just stayed consistent with it.
If you could play a soccer match in any city in the world, where would you go?
I would go to Anfield (stadium) in Liverpool. I’ve always supported their club and the atmosphere would be amazing.
Hays’ Tamon Miyahara in Austin, Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
What do you consider to be the world’s greatest invention?
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I’d probably say electricity. I think everyone overlooks it, but it powers almost everything we do. Without it, a lot of what we have today doesn’t even exist. It’s kind of the foundation for everything else.
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
I plan on attending a four-year college to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. I hope to keep playing the sport I love no matter the level.
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Beating Glenn a proud moment for Hays soccer
What’s your favorite memory with Hays soccer?
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The win against Glenn. That was a really big one for us for our chances at playoffs. The boys worked so hard for the full 80 minutes and it was for sure a proud moment.
You wear No. 10. I think I know, but why?
Yeah, I wear 10 because of Lionel Messi and the aura he created for that number. But last year I actually wore 19, like (Barcelona midfielder) Lamine Yamal. When he switched to 10 this year, I switched too. It felt right.
Outside of athletics, what do you enjoy most about your school?
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Probably just the people. Being around friends, conversations in class, stuff like that. They’re the people that keep me going every day, I owe it to them.
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Do you have any rituals on the day of a match?
My ritual is to take a nap before the game. I always need time to rest my mind before a game and calm my nerves a bit. I also listen to music, mostly Drake, to really get me into that flow state.
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Hays’ Tamon Miyahara in Austin, Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Dream dinner: Japan, Canada, Argentina in the house
If you could have dinner with any four people in the history of the world, who would they be?
I’m going to choose Shohei Ohtani, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Drake and Lionel Messi
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I picked Drake for his consistency and for how he’s stayed relevant for so long. He’s always evolving, but still stays true to himself.
You’re in charge of the menu. What are you serving?
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I’d do a mix of different cultures like tacos, sushi and poutine (french fries topped with cheese curds and brown gravy). I like the idea of everyone finding something they like.