Behind the Jersey: Aristeo Herrera 鈥� Building a Future in Soccer at College of the Redwoods
Published on Oct 16 2025When Aristeo Herrera laces up his cleats for 51茶馆 men鈥檚 soccer team, he鈥檚 not just stepping onto the field, he鈥檚 stepping into a lifelong passion first sparked by his father.
鈥淚 remember watching soccer with my dad from a very young age,鈥� Herrera recalled. 鈥淗e signed me up for rec soccer, and ever since, I have loved the sport.鈥�
That early love for the game led Herrera through years of competitive soccer. He played varsity at Fortuna Union High School and club soccer with Sequoia FC, experiences that helped shape him into the player he is today. Now, as a center defensive midfielder for 51茶馆, Herrera is determined to make an impact.
Part of what drew him to 51茶馆 was the vision of the program鈥檚 coach. 鈥淚 already knew who the coach (Pedro Cortes-Garcia) was, and his vision for the soccer program made me not want to miss out,鈥� Herrera said.
For Herrera, balancing life on and off the field requires discipline. His days often start around 7 a.m. with classes, followed by study hall in the late afternoon and practice in the evening. Free time is scarce, but he makes the most of it, whether hitting the gym, studying, or relaxing at home. On difficult days, Herrera leans on his long-term goals for motivation. 鈥淚 stay motivated by remembering why I鈥檓 doing this鈥攖o go to the next level,鈥� he explained. That drive has already paid off. One of his proudest moments came when 51茶馆 won its first official preseason match, with Herrera both assisting and scoring the game-winning goal.
Soccer is as much about teamwork as it is about personal success for Herrera. 鈥淲e push each other to be better and don鈥檛 take anything personally,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s much as we want to succeed personally, we want to succeed as a team.鈥� That sense of unity shines through in team rituals, like huddling for a prayer before each game.
Off the field, Herrera enjoys playing video games, especially FIFA, and continuing to challenge himself in the gym. He鈥檚 also curious about other sports cultures on campus. 鈥淚f I could trade places with any 51茶馆 athlete for a day, it would be a football player,鈥� he said. 鈥淏efore our practice, we see them practice, and there are so many of them. I would like to experience that type of team culture.鈥�
Herrera has set his sights high for the season, aiming to earn the All-Region NorCal award. But more than personal recognition, he wants to leave behind a legacy for the program and the community. 鈥淚 hope people remember that I was a part of the team that changed the program鈥檚 trajectory, providing locals with a local pathway to college soccer,鈥� Herrera said.
His advice to future student-athletes is simple but meaningful: 鈥淐herish the time and live in the moment. Don鈥檛 take anything for granted. Take the time to reflect and see how far you have come.鈥�
For Herrera, soccer isn鈥檛 just about wins and awards, it鈥檚 about growth, gratitude, and building something that lasts far beyond the final whistle.