FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) — Fishers boy’s soccer senior defender Kraidien Bumbala has helped the Tigers to an incredible season.

The Tigers ended the regular season 12-1-2 and enter next week’s sectional round as the No. 3 ranked team in the state. Bumbala is part of a Tigers defense that has allowed just seven goals all season. After wrapping up his senior year at Fishers, Bumbala will head overseas to play in England at the University of Chester.

Before that, Bumbala is grateful to compete for a state championship alongside his teammates.

“Our chemistry this year has definitely been stronger than most years in the past,” Bumbala said. “I think we’re good technically. I feel like everywhere we’re good but there’s always improvements to be made. If we improve, then we can go for a state run, which I’m really looking forward to.”

I’m really proud of Kraidien and his four years here,” head coach Phil Schmidt said. “Three years on varsity. He’s grown so much. He’s a very emotional player, very intense player. This year he’s really learned to channel that effectively, which has been really exciting.”

During one of the Tigers’ practices, Bumbala described himself as a stronger voice his teammates can lean on.

“I’m more of a vocal leader here because I feel like I’m definitely one of the people on the field that screams the most here,” Bumbala said. “I like to lead by example as well when I can and be a good example for everybody out there and hopefully lift up our mood when it’s down.”

Coach Schmidt added to the type of leader and competitor his senior team captain is.

“He’s competitive; he doesn’t like to lose,” Schmidt said. “No matter what we’re doing, he doesn’t like to lose. He just competes, and that has caused him to really be demanding of his teammates, but the next step for him this year was to have that positive leadership, really motivating guys.”

The Fishers Tigers begin the first round of sectionals against Anderson (6-7-2) on Tuesday, October 6 at 6 p.m.

For more on Bumbala being featured as the Athlete of the Week, watch the video above.