Frida and Marisol Vargas An Example of Passion and Success in Women’s Soccer
by pedro graterol
Soccer has evolved beyond gender and geographical boundaries, and two passionate female athletes, Frida Vargas and her sister Marisol Vargas, are at the forefront of transforming the sport in our state. Through their dedication, commitment, and love for the game, these two athletes have made a lasting impact on the field and are driving the progress of women’s soccer at all levels. Their journey began at a young age, with soccer becoming an integral part of their family life. Marisol Vargas recalled, “Ever since I can remember, soccer has been a part of my life. My parents had me play recreational soccer when I was 3 years old, just like my brothers.” Frida shared a similar story. This early exposure and family support ignited a deep passion for the sport within them. The bond formed through their shared love for soccer has guided them through their sporting endeavors. Both her brothers also embraced the sport professionally. Obed Vargas plays for the Seattle Sounders in the MLS, while Abad is part of the team’s academy. Marisol followed suit, playing as a goalkeeper at University of Saint Mary in Kansas and Frida as a midfielder at Southern Oregon University. Soccer is deeply ingrained in their family’s DNA.
While Frida excels on the field, her aspirations go beyond college soccer. She dreams of representing Mexico at the professional level, stating, “Right now, my focus is on having a good first college soccer season.” Her determination and ambition serve as an inspiration, encouraging young female athletes to dream big and aim high.
Marisol’s journey has taken her from Centralia College to the University of Saint Mary in Kansas. Beyond soccer, she discovered a passion for nursing, aiming to merge her love for healthcare with her dedication to soccer. “Apart from soccer, I discovered that I have a passion for helping people, and my dream is to complete my master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner,” Marisol shared. Her determination to excel both on and off the field reflects the multifaceted nature of modern athletes.
Yet, the path to success is often filled with challenges. Marisol’s greatest hurdle has been a lack of confidence, a common struggle among athletes. She admitted, “The biggest challenge I’ve faced in soccer has been a lack of confidence.” This sentiment resonates, especially in the competitive collegiate soccer environment. However, Marisol’s approach of self-reflection and leaning on her support system, especially her parents, has empowered her to navigate these challenges.
Furthermore, Frida has struggled with mental health as she recovered from an injury last year: “Maintaining positivity during the difficult times of my recovery was the most difficult thing. The mental aspect of sport is always the most challenging part, but talking about it is the best way to overcome those obstacles.”
The influence of family on their sporting journey is undeniable. Marisol Vargas, theirmother, recounted, “Soccer has been an essential part of our family.” The values of effort, dedication, and competition were instilled from a young age. This familial support and commitment have led to cherished memories. “My four children played in the youth World Cup in Sweden. The boys played together on the same team, and my daughters played together on the same team. It was a beautiful experience to see all four of them playing together in such an important tournament,” Marisol shared.
Marisol has also confronted gender discrimination in the sport, sharing instances when she was underestimated due to her gender. “Sometimes it’s difficult to play with men because they underestimate you as a player, assuming that because you’re a woman, you can’t play well,” Marisol noted. Her experiences underscore the persistent gender biases that female athletes face, highlighting the need for ongoing advocacy for gender equality in soccer. “Gender discrimination is something that all athletes, clubs and technical directors must eliminate from our sport,” Frida added.
Both Frida and Marisol are vocal advocates for the advancement of women’s soccer. Marisol passionately exclaimed, “It’s time to support women’s soccer!” The growth of women’s soccer is evident, with emerging talent and increased investment. Their call for support emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the dedication and talent of female athletes. Frida and Marisol Vargas transcend the soccer field, embodying passion, resilience, and determination that propel women’s soccer toward a brighter future. With unwavering commitment and a spirit of overcoming challenges, Frida and Marisol pave the way for a generation of female soccer players ready to challenge expectations and reach new heights in the sport.
