Ricardo Vargas, from Bogota, Colombia, is a Class of 2025 student majoring in Global Health with a focus on Public Policy. He serves as the team captain of the Men’s Varsity Football Team at DKU.
“It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” — Poem Invictus
Ricardo Vargas, class of 2025
Q: What first drew you to football, and what keeps you playing?
I come from a country where football is in our blood. Sport has appealed to me since I was a child, and I have played for fun and competitively for as long as I can remember. I am a huge fan of Real Madrid, the best team in the world, and my hometown team, Millonarios, where I played academy football when I was around 15 years old. The sport drew me in because of its dynamic nature and the sense of camaraderie, as well as the chance to excel beyond academic areas. The thrill of strategizing and working as a team to achieve a common goal captivated me from the start. What keeps me playing is the exhilaration of the game and the personal growth it inspires, both physically and mentally, as well as the bond between me, my coach, and my teammates.
Q: Can you share how your team practices football during regular days and how your preparation evolves before a competition? Additionally, how would you describe the connection and camaraderie among your teammates, both on and off the field?
Sure. On regular days, our team practices focus on drills to refine skills like passing, shooting, and tactics. We also prioritize fitness through conditioning exercises, as well as recovery and flexibility. Before a competition, training becomes more intensive, with an emphasis on strategy, set plays, and simulating game scenarios to build synergy and readiness.
Within the Varsity team at DKU, the bond among my teammates is one of trust, mutual respect, and shared passion. We support each other on and off the field, creating a family-like environment that motivates us to push our limits. Every single member of the team I consider to be a friend, and even off the field we are always together, whether that is some of the boys making dinner for all of us, going out to eat together, or a party where we all attend as a team. Spending time together outside of the pitch is essential, as our connection deepens and we create lasting bonds, bonds that can be seen when we play together. The team is always together, in victory and defeat.
At times, academic pressures or injuries like cramps or muscle tears have tested my commitment to football at DKU. However, my love for the sport and the support of my teammates reignited my motivation and always helped me return to the field as soon as possible. Reflecting on the joy and life lessons football brings, I’ve always found the strength to persevere.
Ricardo played against NYUSH for the first time, scored 2 goals and won the game. It was also the first picture he saved from being in the varsity.
Q: In the recent 24-25 Suzhou College Football League, your goal helped the team advance in the Super Group Playoffs. What factors do you think were most important in achieving this success?
For me, scoring important goals for the team in the recent 24-25 Suzhou College Football League has always been a team effort. In football, there are so many different and often unnoticed key aspects to the buildup of a goal than the actual goal itself. The most important factors have always been our rigorous preparation, seamless communication, and our joint determination to win. The team’s trust in each other and our individual and collective abilities to adapt to the game’s dynamics have played a crucial role in achieving our success so far in the league. Any goal we score is the culmination of our collective efforts and strategic execution.
Q: Can you share a highlight from your football career at DKU that stands out the most?
A standout highlight of my football career at DKU was our 4-2 win over NYU in the last academic year. In that game, our team overcame a tough opponent through resilience, determination, and sheer teamwork. What made it unforgettable was not just the victory but the unity we displayed as a university. There were so many people in the stands watching, and both the team and fans all celebrated together when the game was over. It was a special night that helped boost the atmosphere and attitude towards DKU Football. That moment reinforced my love for the DKU Varsity team and underscored the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges.
Ricardo’s first major competition trophy as a varsity team with coach Alex, the NYUSH Qilin Cup
Q: What lessons has football taught you about resilience, leadership, and teamwork, and how do these lessons, along with the unique traditions of DKU football, shape your approach to challenges both on and off the field?
Football has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, leadership, and teamwork. It’s shown me how to bounce back from setbacks, whether it’s losing a game or facing personal challenges. Leadership in the field has taught me to stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and inspire others. Teamwork, the core of football, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and trusting those around you, lessons that apply to every area of life. For critical moments in a game, I focus on staying present and visualizing success. Deep breathing helps me center myself, and I remind myself of the hard work I’ve put in. Supporting the team through my words or patting my teammates on the back also helps me handle the pressure, as I recognize that my teammates must also be going through the same stress and intensity that I am. This mental preparation has translated into other aspects of life, helping me stay composed during exams, graduate school interviews, presentations, or other high-stakes situations. One of the most cherished aspects of DKU football culture for me is our post-game reflections. These moments of sharing feedback on our game, jokes, and encouragement foster a strong sense of community. It’s more than just a team; it’s a support system that celebrates every individual’s growth, on and off the field.
Q: What are your personal goals for the upcoming season, both as an individual player and as a team leader?
For the upcoming season, my personal goals are to improve my technical and leadership skills even more. I want to keep improving on my technique such as precision in passing and shooting under pressure, while enhancing my physical endurance.
As a team leader, I aim to foster a positive environment that motivates every player to perform at their best. I also want to focus on strengthening team cohesion and strategy to secure more victories and make our team an even more formidable force in the league. Our freshman and sophomore-year players show a lot of promise and have time to continue growing in the next few years, so I want to keep helping them develop their skills and leadership potential. I hope each one of my teammates can keep developing themselves as players but also as people. I want them to keep developing their talents on and off the field, whether that is Felipe’s motivational speeches before a game, Jamesy and the striking energy he brings when he enters the game, Lucas and his control of the ball and leadership potential, Othmane and his strength and coolness in defense, and much more.
Outside of football, as a senior, I plan to continue my research and coursework in Global Health in a Master’s Program in Health Policy/Health related Management in the United States, and I hope to use the skills I have developed in football in every aspect of my life outside of it, including both my Master’s program as well as my managerial work and experience in my parents’ company back home.
Ricardo is a codirector of MEP (Medical English Program), teaching medical terminology and beginner to advanced English to 200+ doctors in 3 different hospitals in Kunshan
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