Costarrican Soccer Player Journey.

The Journey of Erick Rojas

By: Juanita Tibocha

At 23, Erick Rojas embodies the spirit of perseverance, balancing a life of soccer and academics thousands of miles from his hometown in Costa Rica. Growing up in a modest neighborhood in Heredia, he spent his childhood on soccer fields, dribbling a worn-out soccer ball with dreams of playing professionally. Little did he know that his passion for the game would lead him to the United States, where he is now a senior at a competitive college, navigating the worlds of soccer and computer science at Clarke University.

From an early age, Erick  was captivated by the beautiful game. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing soccer,” he recalls, a smile lighting up his face. He would wake up early, lacing up his cleats before sunrise, practicing with friends in Rosabal Stadium in Heredia. His dedication paid off when he joined a professional team that honed his skills and showcased his talent.

As he approached his final years of high school, Erick faced a turning point. The idea of pursuing higher education in the U.S. had always been a dream, but the realities of making it happen felt daunting. With the encouragement of his family and coaches, he began applying to colleges with strong soccer programs. “It was a leap of faith,” he admits, “but I knew I had to give it a shot.”

His hard work and talent didn’t go unnoticed. After a successful trial, Erick received an athletic scholarship to play for a Junior College in Texas. The transition was overwhelming but exciting. “When I first arrived, everything felt so different—the culture, the people, the language,” he reflects. Yet, his love for soccer helped him bond with teammates and adapt to his new life, later on his journey he transferred to Dubuque, Iowa.

Balancing a rigorous soccer schedule with his studies in computer science has been challenging, but Erick thrives on it. “It’s like a game,” he explains. “You have to strategize, prioritize, and sometimes make sacrifices.” His passion for technology sparked at a young age, inspired by his father, an engineer. In the classroom, he finds solace, diving into coding projects and algorithms that challenge his mind. “Solving problems in programming feels just as satisfying as saving a goal,” he notes.

As a senior, Erick is now focusing on his future. With aspirations of becoming a software developer, he has landed an internship with a tech company that specializes in sports analytics. “Combining soccer and tech feels like the perfect fit for me,” he says, excitement bubbling in his voice.

Reflecting on his journey, Erick shares, “Every time I step on the field, I remember where I came from. Soccer has given me so much, and I hope to give back one day.” His eyes light up at the thought of returning to Costa Rica to inspire young athletes to chase their dreams, just as he did.