More Than Just a Game
Soccer is more than just a game; it unites people. During large and exciting tournaments like the World Cup, fans from everywhere come together to cheer for their countries. Streets fill with flags, songs, and celebrations. Even people who don’t know each other become friends because they share the same love for their team. It is incredible how one sport can make the whole world feel connected. Soccer is not just about winning matches or scoring goals. It is a sport that connects people all over the world. No matter where you’re from or what language you speak, everyone understands the excitement of the game. Whether you are watching the World Cup or just kicking a ball with friends, soccer brings people together in ways that few things can.
Derek Brown, who played soccer before joining the volleyball team, said the sport has had a big impact on his life. “Soccer has helped me stay focused, make new friends, and learn how to work with others.” Derek also said that being part of a team made him feel more confident and taught him to never give up, even when things get tough. His story shows that soccer can have a positive effect both on and off the field.
Soccer also teaches important lessons that go beyond the field. It shows how teamwork, communication, and effort can make a difference. Players learn to trust each other and stay positive, even when they lose. Many famous players also use their success to help others by donating money, starting charities, or inspiring kids to chase their dreams. Ultimately, soccer is more than just a game; it is a part of life for millions of people. It brings joy, hope, and unity to every corner of the world. That’s why when people say “soccer is just a sport,” they miss the bigger picture. Soccer is a global family that keeps growing every year.
STA 2025 Soccer Tryouts
As the 2025 Saint Thomas Aquinas soccer tryouts come to an end, the final team for the Varsity and JV men’s soccer team has been revealed for the 2025 – 2026 school year season. With 150+ students trying out for both the Varsity and JV team, these athletes really had to show their skill and what they could bring to the team in order to be one of the 60+ people who actually made the cut.
The tryouts included several different drills and scrimmages throughout the week. On Monday and Wednesday, the drills replicated real games with a bigger field and a full 11 player team with full-sized nets. This was done to see how well the players performed on a full field and team, and simulates a realistic match. Tuesday and Thursday included a more strategic drill with four player teams on a mini field with mini nets. This drill showed how players work with small teams and their strategic thinking on small areas of the field, demonstrating how well they could do in these areas. Although many players were able to show what they were capable of, some did not do as well.
The coaches are John Walsh for varsity and Coach Ferdinand Velasco, Coach JJ, and Coach Franco for JV. After the initial selections were made, the students that the coaches selected for the team started practice. However, coaches continued to make cuts to pare down the roster and ensure that the team reflected the best players that STA had to offer. Throughout the week, students not only trained, but demonstrated their skills in order to hold a place for themselves on the team roster. On Monday, Oct. 20, the coaches continued to test players’ skills in different situations as well as passing drills. Along with the players that had made the initial roster, eager players continued to show up for practice, in the hopes that they could reclaim a spot on the final roster.
St. Thomas Aquinas JV Men’s Soccer Team
1. Diego Barbosa
2. Nicholas Barnard
3. Joaquin Carballo
4. Camilo Earle
5. Daniel Gabrielsen
6. Miguel DelCastillo Gomez
7. William Karrat
8. Ernest Mokbel
9. Sergio Moncaleano
10. Adrian Northrop
11. Luis Riquezes
12. Tiago Vidal
13. Mateo Arellano
14. Lance Bergeron-Menard
15. Matteo Castelli
16. Julian DeCastro
17. Theo Dorvil
18. Pablo Duque-Urrea
19. Ryan Eagen
20. Maximilien Emilien
21. Matthew Hernandez
22. Nicholas Kane
23. Addison Langford
24. Thiago Litenski
25. Malachi Loriston
26. Sebastian Magnum
27. Federico Nino
28. Kevin Ohlsson
29. Joshua Orisme
30. Noah Pannicacci
31. Andrew Philippou
32. Beckett Schaefer
33. Nicolas Shand
34. Lucas Triana
35. Aquiles Villamayor
36. Valentino Zuluaga
St. Thomas Aquinas Men’s Varsity Soccer Team
1. Rayne Archuleta
2. Bryce Ashley
3. David Baron
4. Luigi Landi
5. Frank Markovich
6. Hudson Mathews
7. Santiago Moncaleano
8. Francis Owino
9. Santiago Ramirez
10. Gabriel Rodriguez
11. Ethan See
12. Felipe Tobon
13. Matias Bogani
14. David Cancilla
15. Nathan Combs
16. Matteo Forato
17. Daniele Nicastro
18. Shanti Valencia
19. Francesco Varesano-Belisario
20. Alejandro Velasco
21. Galo Villamayor
22. Matteo Amarini
23. Tyler Hinkle
24. Martin Molina-Vargas
25. Andrew Philippou
GOALIES
Jakob Hillinger
Nicholas Soulier
Kenneth Flint
