Caption – Nicholas Vergara, on the field playing against St. Paul’s. [Elisa Oliveira]
Nicholas Vergara has always loved soccer. Growing up, he watched his friends and neighbors play. PACA had a big influence on him, because that’s where he started playing in a team.
“I just saw everyone playing and having fun, and I wanted to be a part of that,” Vergara said.
For Nicholas, being a captain is about more than just leading; it’s about being someone his teammates, coaches, and the school can rely on.
“It means being a leader,” he said. “I want to support my teammates and help us grow together.”
One of his favorite moments on the field happened during a challenging match against Chapel at Big 8 last year. He scored an incredible goal from a very far distance, and the excitement of hearing the cheers from the crowd was unforgettable.
“It was great to see people cheering for me, and I loved that the moment was captured on video,” he said.
However, being a captain comes with its challenges. Nicholas says that being part of a small school team means they often don’t have enough substitutes.
“When we’re tired, we just have to keep playing,” he said.
Injuries can also be tough. He dealt with a serious knee injury during futsal season, which impacted how he played.
“It was hard, but I learned to push through it,” he said. As a captain, he has also worked on being patient and understanding with his teammates.
His team made progress last year, placing 5th in futsal in the Big 8 tournament, and 4th in the Big 8 soccer tournament twice. They missed advancing in the semi-finals, but he sees improvement in their game overall.
“I want to keep playing, stay happy, and work on being a better leader,” he said.
Balancing soccer with school isn’t always easy, but Nicholas manages it with good communication.
“The teachers are understanding if you talk to them about tests and homework, and explain your situation.” he said. He finds time before and after practice to stay on top of his studies and believes focus is key.
Nicholas’s efforts don’t go unnoticed by his coaches. PACA’s new intern coach, Isaiah Fox, speaks highly of him, saying, “He’s a pretty good captain. He knows what he’s talking about when it comes to the game, and he knows what the team needs to do to improve.”
Dr. Cristina Meier, who was his assistant homeroom teacher in 11th grade, also recognizes Nicholas’s dedication.
“One thing that has stood out to me in my observation of Nick’s playing skills is his passion for the sport,” said Meier. “He never plays half way.”
As the season unfolds, Nicholas Vergara continues to lead by example, demonstrating resilience, teamwork, and a genuine love for soccer. He’s not just playing the game, he’s making memories and growing alongside his teammates.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼