Soccer Helped Ryan Vega, '26, Grow
Ryan Vega, '26, has experienced plenty of growth on the pitch since first stepping into the sport at 3 years old.
Soccer is the Centerpoint to the Life Journey Of Ryan Vega, '26
From back when he was 3 years old, starting with the Silver Lake Soccer Academy, to his time on the Farrell soccer team, Vega has had a big journey. He has passed every test with flying colors, and it's very impressive how from a hobby it became the biggest part of his life.
"I never thought it would take me this far," Vega said. "It started as a hobby and became my whole life."
Ryan Vega, '26, has become a key leader on and off the field for the Farrell Lions this season.
Ryan's father was always pushing him to his best and motivating him. His father went from a coach to a club president and always was focusing on Ryan's journey of soccer.
"He has always been hard on me" Ryan said. "He had higher expectations for me than for every other kid, but it made me better."
Ryan Vega, '26, dribbles a ball up the field in a game during the Fall 2024 season.
Additionally, his years in soccer not only made him good at it, but also helped him find a lot of friends.
"All my closest friends are kids I've played with since I was little" Vega said, adding that some of his earliest friends are still his teammates today on the Farrell Varsity team.
"Hopefully we get a big win this year to end it off."
The time in Farrell changed Vega. When looking back from his freshman year to today, Vega admitted to not being in the greatest of shape. But through his hard work and dedication to do his best at soccer, he has become a leader and a strong person as he grew.
"I never thought it would take me this far...It started as a hobby and became my whole life."
- Ryan Vega, '26
Vega now readies himself for life after Farrell, intending to continue playing soccer at the university level.
In addition to his father, Vega also gives credit to several other members of Farrell's program in helping his development. These include Varsity Head Coach Ed Hynes, '82, former Junior Varsity Coach Mike Meagher, and Varsity Assistant Coach Jim Welch for making his journey better.
If he were to pass down a piece of advice to younger soccer players, at any level of the game, it is that playing high school soccer has had better benefits than playing travel -- even if it means a little more patience.
"Be patient and play high school soccer," Vega said. "The relationships and lessons you built are worth it."
The Lion is Monsignor Farrell's student digital newspaper. To read more articles from The Lion, click here.