Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Felipe Rojas

Felipe Rojas is a left back and a captain on the Sarasota Paradise pre-professional soccer team. Rojas, who graduated from Riverview High, also works in the team's marketing department. The Paradise are 5-1-2 as of June 25, which equates to 17 points, the most in the South Florida division of USL League 2. 

When did you start playing soccer?

My family moved here from Colombia. South America is a soccer-centric continent, especially Colombia, which is proud of the Colombian National Team. My dad (Juan Rojas) was a big soccer fan and he instilled that in me at a young age, around 5. It was just my sport.  

What is the appeal of soccer to you?

It is a constant learning process. There are always new problems and you have to find new solutions. You can always improve, both as a team and on a personal level. Even when I play well, I go back and think, "What did I do wrong?" That way, I can improve next game. 

What has been challenging you lately?

Well, left back is a newer position for me. I have only played it for about a year. For the most part, I have been a right wing, or a more attacking player. I moved to left back on the advice of Marcus (Walfridson, team owner) because bringing that attacking presence from the defensive end can help the team. Learning to play this position has been fun and where my focus has been. 

What has been going right?

I think I'm making sure that I am well-positioned. When the opposing team is going on the attack, I'm able to win as many tackles as I can. 

What is your favorite soccer memory?

My first year at Riverview High, I played on the junior varsity team. We were not the best team, we were a rag-tag group, but we played in the district tournament and we won it. That's one of the few trophies I have won personally, so it was a big thing, even though it was just JV. A lot of my friends today were on that team. It was something to remember. 

What has this Paradise season been like?

We have been winning a lot. It's already a better season than last year. We're optimistic. If we finish first in the division then we qualify for the playoffs, and everyone is excited for that possibility. But there is still work to be done. 

How did you get involved in the team's marketing department?

After I started playing for the team, Marcus saw some of my side projects. I have some photography and video experience and, when you combine that with soccer, that's kind of what marketing is. He offered me the chance to get involved as a marketing coordinator and I accepted. It has been my dream to be able to play soccer while also making some sort of living, so it has been great. 

What is your favorite food?

I'll say bandeja paisa, which is a Colombian meal with rice, plantains, meats, beans, and eggs. 

What is your favorite movie?

"Interstellar," for sure. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Fake it until you make it. My mom (Sandra Quintana), she came to this country not knowing the language. She's a big inspiration for me. She didn't start with much, but she went to school and became a nurse. She used to tell me, fake it until you make it. Even if you feel like you're not good enough, act like you are, and eventually you will be. It's advice that I have used on my journey as a soccer player. 

Finish this sentence: "Felipe Rojas is … "

A jack-of-all-trades. I may not be the best at one thing, but I am good at a lot of different things.