Boys Soccer Co-Captain Edrian Vargas ’27 has built his leadership on positivity, quietly cultivating an uplifting team culture that unites his teammates on and off the field. At just four years old, Vargas was introduced to the sport when his mother signed him up for a local club team. His mother played an instrumental role in nurturing his early development, driving Vargas to countless practices and games, and being a staunch supporter. From early on, Vargas played opponents that were older than him. Embracing the added competition rather than avoiding it, Vargas developed the drive that would shape him into the dependable and resilient leader he is today.
Now serving as Co-Captain in his final year, Vargas has taken on the responsibility of steering the team toward a fresh start after last year’s difficult season. Rather than dwelling on struggles, he has made it his mission to set a new tone from the first day of practice, leading not just through his voice but by example.
“I want to promote positivity. Last year, the team struggled a lot with negativity. A lot of players were getting mad at each other, and that carried onto the field. This year, we’re doing a lot better already from the start, and I think it’s due to positivity,” said Vargas.
Vargas shares captaincy with Upper Jaeden Morgan ’28 and fellow Senior Kai Myles ’27. Having played alongside each other for years, Myles described the dynamic between the three Co-Captains, highlighting Vargas’ quieter, understated leadership and how their partnership keeps the team running smoothly.
“He really helps me stay grounded and focused on certain tasks, what needs to happen, and what needs to be done. Even though my voice is louder, he tells me certain things that a lot of the team doesn’t know about, and it’s really helpful. It actually helps us become successful. He’s always there to help me guide everybody else, and he even guides me throughout things. He’s kind of a silent leader who just doesn’t get enough credit sometimes,” said Myles.
In addition to his responsibilities in leading and maintaining a focused mindset within the team, Vargas takes the time to mentor players adjusting to new roles on the field. Wyatt Orraca-Cecil ’28 recalled his first year on the team, when Vargas was unanimously voted Co-Captain by his teammates. Orraca-Cecil plays a position where a mistake can expose the defense, and Vargas would be the player forced to cover for him.
“I was new to the position I was playing, [and Vargas] was the guy who had my back a lot in games and practice, just showing me the ropes and helping me figure things out. Offensively and defensively, he’s just so good that it allowed me to take a little bit of risk and be more confident in my play because I wasn’t scared that if I made a mistake, the whole team would crumble. I knew [Vargas] had my back,” said Orraca-Cecil.
As a fellow defender, Chris Lee ’27 pointed to Vargas’ technical ability, describing him as a player whose game other centerbacks would benefit from studying. Lee also noted Vargas’ composure in possession, always aware of his options and unafraid to carry the ball forward if given the chance, an example of how Vargas’ competency makes him a leader on the field.
“He is a perfect example of a defender, he’s very strong on the ball. If you want to learn, watch him play. The same goes for all the center backs, but with him especially, watching how he scans the field and how he intentionally takes his first touch is important. It’s the little things he does that can really change how the center backs move with each other and what plays he generates after he has the ball,” said Lee.
Vargas hopes to continue his soccer career in college. For Vargas, leadership is not about being the loudest voice on the field, but rather about forming a positive culture, holding himself to a high standard, and quietly making his impact on the team around him.
