The Inspiring Journey of Ricardo Ibarra

Ricardo Ibarra’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. Born to Mexican parents who immigrated to San Jose, California in search of a better life, Ricardo fell in love with soccer at the age of 4. With his father’s encouragement, he joined his first team, marking the start of a lifelong devotion to the beautiful game.

“I started playing soccer when my dad signed me up for my first team,” says Ricardo.  By the age of 13 he joined the MLS San Jose Earthquakes academy. But while his skills on the field were evident, Ricardo’s dreams extended beyond the pitch.

“Education was always important to my family,” he shares. “So, when the opportunity to attend UC Irvine presented itself, I knew I had to take it”.

Guided by ACCESS U Foundation, Ricardo navigated the complexities of college admissions with ease. “ACCESS U was instrumental in connecting me with university coaches and much more,”  he explains. 

Ricardo not only excelled on the soccer field but also academically. He made the Dean’s List every semester and graduated with honors (Magna Cum Laude) in Business Economics, he proudly states. 

“To graduate from college was a dream come true,” Ricardo reflects. “It was a testament to my parents’ sacrifices and a source of immense pride.”

Ricardo was a standout player on the soccer field. As the team captain for two years, he led with distinction, culminating with the Big West Conference Tournament, where his team secured the Championship in 2023 in a penalty shootout.

“Winning the Big West Conference in penalty kicks, my senior year, is unforgettable and my favorite memory while playing at UCI,” Ricardo recalls with pride. 

Transitioning from collegiate soccer, where he was named to the Big West First Team All-Conference, to the professional arena was the natural next step for Ricardo. When he signed with the San Jose Earthquakes II, he achieved another lifelong goal.

“After my last season at UC Irvine, I had the opportunity to join the Earthquakes’ preseason,” he says. “It is a dream come true and I am eternally grateful to everyone who helped me during my career, including ACCESS U.” 

While Ricardo pursues a professional soccer career at the moment, his long term goal is to be a business owner.

Through his journey, Ricardo hopes to inspire future generations of LatinX scholar-athletes to pursue their dreams.  

“Be proud of your roots and take risks,” he advises. “Your experiences and values can propel you to greatness.”

Get to know more about Ricardo’s story, click here.

ACCESS U Earns Silver Seal of Transparency

ACCESS U has achieved the Silver Seal of Transparency on Candid, a leading online nonprofit directory. This recognition highlights our commitment to transparency and good governance, providing assurance to donors and funders. We thank our supporters and partners for their trust and confidence in our organization as we continue to empower today’s youth through education at ACCESS U.

Highlights from the Field

In the recent ECNL Girls Regional League 2024 Florida Spring event and amidst a large number of teams and players, Victoria Delatorre (Spring, TX) emerged as a standout. Recognized by Soccer Wire as a “Player that Impressed,” Delatorre’s skills on the field have not gone unnoticed.  Her recognition serves not only as a testament to her abilities, but also as motivation for aspiring athletes everywhere. 

Giovanni Calderon (New Haven, CT), ACCESS U student-athlete at CSU Fullerton, has been carving his own path to success. Adding yet another highlight to his career, Calderon has recently received the call-up to Puerto Rico’s First Team for international friendlies. This achievement underscores Calderon’s talent and highlights his potential to make significant contributions on the international stage.   

For both Delatorre and Calderon, their journeys are not just about personal achievements but about inspiring others to pursue their dreams. Their stories serve as reminders that with hard work, dedication, and passion, anything is possible on and off the field.