by Danny Craig
Staff Writer
Jorge Macias left his native home of Guadalajara, Mexico, to come to America when he was 11 years old. He brought with him an ability and passion for soccer that began at the age of 6 and a perpetual motivation from his parents.
These qualities have allowed the men’s soccer team captain to be a highly regarded team leader and athlete at the University of La Verne.
Macias had to embrace a great deal of change when he arrived in America in his pre-teens.
“I had to learn a new language and a new culture. It was hard to adapt,” he said of his arrival.
Macias explained that, even with the transition to a home in Upland, his love for soccer remained undaunted. Having his father take him to watch professional matches and pressing him to improve his own playing ability, soccer continued to encircle his life throughout middle school and high school.
The senior carried his passion to the University, where he began his four-year career on the men’s squad.
Macias gained respect from his athletic peers with his commitment to soccer.
“He’s captain of this team for a reason,” said sophomore teammate Ryan Rodriguez, in admiration of the team leader.
Rodriguez attributes his attendance to ULV to his friendship with Macias. The sophomore made note of Macias’ positive attitude and the constant zeal he brings to the team.
“He has a love for this game more than any other,” said Rodriguez.
“I really admire his leadership and the way he carries himself on the field,” said freshman midfielder Nate Chabolla.
Being the lone senior on the squad, Macias explained the standard to which he holds himself on the field.
“You have to look out for what you do,” he said, commenting on the pressures of being the captain. Macias said he avoids arguments and carding by the officials during competition. He strives for a general sense of “fair play” on the field.
Despite the pressures of his position, Macias considered his seniority on the team an honor.
When explaining the source for his positive athletic demeanor, Macias recalled the two individuals he admires most: his parents.
He credited his parents with giving him the ability to perform exceptionally.
“My dad has always wanted me to play my best on and off the field,” said Macias. He said that he has additionally gained a sense of unity from viewing his parents’ lives.
Displaying the strong ties to his family, Macias said he hopes to use his international business major to take over his father’s appliance business later in life.
With four years under his belt at ULV, Macias said he felt his senior year on the squad has been the best thus far.
“There’s more unity in the team this year,” said Macias. He also reflected on the team’s increased willingness to practice and improve.
Reflecting on his best game experience, Macias immediately alluded to last year during the season match against nationally ranked Chapman University. Albeit a loss, Macias was proud of the Leopards valiant effort in what he described as a “head-to-head match” against the Panthers.
In respect to his experience with ULV soccer, Macias feels that constant changes in the coaching staff made playing conditions difficult. However, the team captain has been extremely content with this year’s staff and its efforts.
Head coach Shayon Jalayer expressed a mutual feeling for Macias’ performance.
“He’s a very strong young man,” said Jalayer of Macias. Jalayer expressed an overall complacency with the senior’s role on the squad.
“He’s got great character. I respect Jorge,” said the coach.
With aspirations to pursue his studies at the graduate level, Macias says he is unsure about the future of competitive soccer in his life. He hopes to set aside time for his sport, yet he wants to remain focused on his business career.
Macias said he felt that playing soccer at ULV has made his college experience “that much better.”
This team leader was born to a country where, in the opinion of Rodriguez, “soccer is life.”
With his undying love and passion for the sport, Macias has undoubtedly made a life for his game at ULV.
Danny Craig
