SCC alumnus gets big break in professional soccer

Published: 02/24/2020

In 2013, Victor Rada left his home in Caracas, Venezuela and started a new life in the United States. Two years later, he found himself at St. Charles Community College. It didn’t take long for Rada to make his mark on the soccer team.

“At the end of the preseason, the coach announced that I would become the captain of the team in front of all my teammates,” he explained. “It felt amazing. I knew it was a big responsibility, and I took it with pride.”

He worked hard to become the best version of himself and make his teammates be the best they could be. While he thrived on the field, Rada was equally proud of his work off the field. In 2018, he graduated with two associate degrees. His parents traveled thousands of miles to celebrate his achievement.

“It is such a great memory,” he said. “It was an honor to walk in the graduation ceremony in front of my teammates, professors and parents.”

After SCC, Rada transferred to Missouri Baptist University, where his athletic success continued.

“The soccer team ended up winning the American Midwest Conference tournament,” he said. “I scored the winning goal in the semi-finals and was awarded Honorable Mention All-Conference.”

After the conference tournament, Rada became a part of history.

“The team had never won a conference championship before. It also secured us a spot in the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in school history,” he recalled.



During the excitement, Rada never lost sight of his academic goals. In December 2019, he graduated from MBU with a Bachelor of Science in exercise and sport science with Cum Laude Honors.

“The professors at SCC were a major part of my success at MBU,” he said. “They helped prepare me for the next step. They helped me create a great base to face new challenges.”

His love for soccer hasn’t faded. As he was wrapping up his time in college, Rada successfully tried out for the St. Louis Ambush soccer team. He was part of the team reserves until February, when he signed a contract with the Orlando SeaWolves through the remainder of 2020.

“The experience has been really great,” he said. “I’m living a dream, and I’m doing what I love the most. It’s such a blessing. I’ll never forget where I started. I’m proud to be an SCC Cougar, and I always will be.”