For many of us, soccer is more than just entertainment, its a lifestyle. Victor Parra knows this firsthand and was generous enough to share his experiences in the soccer world with us at Protagonist Soccer in our latest Player Profile…

Where did you get started playing soccer? What's your origin story and when did you start to imagine playing soccer at a higher level?

I was born in Providence Rhode Island. I grew up in Central Falls, Rhode Island which is the smallest city in the smallest state in the United States which is pretty cool. I started playing soccer at about 8 years old when my uncle got me to play in the local recreational soccer league. From that moment on I fell in love with the game. I was playing everywhere and anywhere I could. Street soccer outside, practices, games, etc. As I got older, I began to really excel on the field and ended up playing club soccer for a state club called Bruno United. I had a great season which followed by joining the US development academy and playing for the FC Greater Boston bolts. I think I really started to imagine playing soccer at a higher level when I was a part of ODP (Olympic Development Program). I made the state team, as well as the region 1 ODP regional team. I was then chosen for the United States Youth national team Player pool and attended a few camps with the youth national team. Friendly games and training. We also played in an international tournament in Italy. I was about 13 years old at the time playing U-14. This along with playing with the Boston bolts really proved to me that I had the talent and passion to continue to play at higher levels in college and professionally.

You made a big move, from the East Coast to the West Coast when you transferred to San Jose State - what inspired that move and how did you end up playing for East Bay Stompers?

Growing up with a single mother and no father it was tough to get to practices and games growing up. My mother did not drive. I would rely on teammates or public transportation to get to training for club soccer activities. Originally, my grades were not up to par for the NCAA clearinghouse so I could not play division 1 right after High School. I was sad but I was more motivated to reach my goal of playing Division 1. I decided to play for Monroe College in New York. They are the best junior college in the nation. I did great there both academically and soccer wise scoring over 20 goals in my two seasons in New York.

After taking my five official visits to Division 1 schools while at Monroe I really loved my visit to San Jose State. The coaches, players, and facilities were great. I felt at home when I came for the visit. It was always a dream of mine to live in California especially living in the east coast most of my life prior.

My senior year at San Jose State I was asked by the coach at the time coach Martin if I would like to play for the team for the NPSL season. I had just finished my last year for San Jose in the fall and my eligibility was ending. I ended up joining the Stompers for that 2016 NPSL season.

You played two seasons at San Jose State, and graduated Valedictorian - how meaningful is that accomplishment for you? What was your major and how do you see that helping you pursue a career in soccer; not just as a footballer, but perhaps working in the front office for a larger organization?

Graduating as the class valedictorian was one of the happiest moments of my life. I was the first every student athlete to be the valedictorian in the school’s history as well as first ever Latino American to do so. I believe it was first of the NCAA as well. Felt great making history and representing so many people from the school, to communities, to myself and loved ones.

I majored in business and hospitality, tourism and events management. I definitely see this helping my career big time. They are both very broad majors that you can use in many ways. While I am coaching for a club and running group and private training for kids as well, I can see my degrees opening doors to do my own thing one day whether it’s running my own club or being in more of a director role for a club for example. I would also like to be a college coach for a big university one day. I think my degrees along with playing and coaching experiences will definitely help with this.

Being the valedictorian was very meaningful to me because I was handed nothing growing up and went through so many obstacles just to be able to attend San Jose State and play soccer. It was also meaningful because my mom had never finished her education and dropped out in high school. I dedicated this to her and it was definitely a very proud moment for me.

The East Bay Stompers are a strong club, with roots to the old NASL too; how did you find the standard of play in the NPSL and how does it stack up to your other experiences?

The East bay Stompers are definitely a very well-known club in the area. While I was there it was great management by owner Billy Forte and coach Martin. They really pour their heart out for the team and truly care for all players, staff, etc.

I found the standard of play in the NPSL very competitive. There was a lot of good teams and many talented players on both our Stompers roster as well as other teams. We had a great run in the playoffs with the Stompers that year in the NPSL. I remember winning 4-2 against Sacramento gold at their house. I scored 2 goals that game.

I think it was similar to other levels that I had played up until that point. I had played PDL in LA and Las Vegas while in college. It was similar because many college players were playing in the league and former pros as well. It was a mix that kept the level very competitive.

After Stompers, you signed a professional contract for FC Familicao, who then loaned you to third division Portuguese side Argozelo; how was that experience? What did you learn about yourself as a player and how does the standard of coaching and training compare to how we do things in the US?

Signing my first professional contract was another great moment in my life and a dream come true. Living and playing in Europe, the best place and most competitive to play the game in the world, was definitely great. I learned a lot while playing in Portugal. I learned that no matter how good you are there are many players just as good ready to take your spot if you’re not at your best game day in and day out. Unlike college where they greet you and your gonna help the team and be best friends, it is different. In the pros especially in Europe everyone is fighting for their jobs. It is now a job. So, you will not make as much money, or be able to have a great season which will affect your income and lifestyle. Many players had families, and played at high levels before. It taught me to always be on my game. I also played winger and wing backs at times for the team which I did not play much in my career. It was definitely a learning experience. I really liked the coaching in Europe. In Europe we would do all drills and training with the ball. We would do a lot of possession drills and very technical drills. A lot of touches. Even Fitness involved ball touches. They were all about technique and skill. I think in USA both college and other levels like PDL and NPSL a lot of it is more kick ball and being fit and strong before technique and skill. I have always been a pretty skillful player so I really enjoyed the training and this type of style.

You spent time coaching at the youth level for the Quakes and for a club in Los Gatos; how does all of your experiences, in so many different levels of play, inform your coaching methods? Do you feel inspired to pursue your coaching badges or are you still pining to play?

Yes, I have coached the San Jose earthquakes while I was in college as well as Los Gatos and Palo Alto. I actually got to coach the U13 pre-academy San Jose earthquakes team in England where we played in a tournament as well as played against the west ham united youth team. I coached alongside my College coach Simon which was awesome to learn from. That was a great experience being there and playing at their facilities.

I think my experiences playing at different levels definitely helps my coaching methods. I feel like I was once in the same position as the kids. I try to put myself in their shoes when I train them. So many different levels require different methods. I always try challenge the kids and make sure they are always enjoying it. That’s rule number one. Have fun. Without that there is no point. I think I know what it takes to get to different levels and I try my best to teach them all I know from my experiences from the discipline, the drills. I also try to be a role model to them.

I was injured this past year playing professional indoor in the MASL. After this injury, I had a lot of time to work on different career paths while I recovered. I did some of my coaching badges, while coaching teams and running training sessions, camps, etc. I am getting back to my game fitness and feeling very good. I am looking to play again at that high level and currently weighing my options and seeing what’s the best opportunity for me both presently and long term.

If soccer comes back online this summer, who's the first club you call? Back to Stompers or do you see if Oakland Roots might have an open position?

I am currently weighing my options and seeing what would be the best fit for me. There are more leagues in the USA now which is great for players as it opens up doors to play. For me I will be training to be at my best and when the opportunity arises, I will be ready. Definitely not closing any doors.

Parra spent time at Monroe College before transferring to San Jose State

Player Profile graphic artwork provided by Cory Mizer. For more of his artwork, check out his gallery on our site.