“My love for soccer started when I was seven years old,” said Erick Nolasco, a 2024 alumni of Ferrum College. 

When Nolasco was growing up, the sport was all around him. His dad played, as well as his brother and sister. It was always a big part of his life from the beginning.

“From the very first time I touched a soccer ball, I fell in love with the beautiful game,” he expressed.

From Ferrum, VA to Rome, Italy, Nolasco is currently playing soccer at the Rome City Institute in Rome. 

“I’ve really enjoyed playing in Rome. The level of competition is great, and the passion for soccer here makes every match exciting” he said. “One of the biggest adjustments on the field has been adapting to a different style of play. The game in Italy is very tactical and technical, so there is a big emphasis on positioning and decision making and understanding the game at a high level.” 

One of his good friends told him about this opportunity. Nathan Girardi, Ferrum Alum, who he met on campus here, also attended Rome City Institute. 

“After looking into it myself and seeing they offered a masters in Business Administration, I decided it was the right fit for me and chose to pursue it,” said Nolasco. 

From the beginning, he knew he wanted to continue his education and earn his Masters but wasn’t sure where to go.

Rome, however, stole his heart. 

“Off the field, the biggest adjustment has probably been adapting to a new culture and way of life. Things like language and routines, and even how people socialize is a little different than what I was used to,” said Nolasco. 

His coaches have laid a positive influence on him, something he’ll always remember. 

“Erick was one of the hardest working players I worked with in the DIII space at Ferrum,” said Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach James Morgan. “He was a committed team mate and a leader within our team. He did a lot of growing during his time at Ferrum and was very well respected because of his work ethic on the field.” 

Not only did his assistant coach appreciate him but so did his head coach.

“Erick will forever be a player I can’t thank enough for his efforts and commitment to not only myself and our program, but for Ferrum College as a whole,” said Head Coach Matt Cureton. “Erick has a bright future in anything he puts his mind to, and we will continue to enjoy watching his growth and impact wherever he may go!”

As mentioned, Nolasco’s family has a big part in his career. One person, in particular, is his sister, Jennifer Nolasco Argueta. 

“She is the hardest-working person I know,” he said. “She truly embodies what it means to inspire others.”

He said she believes in the power of uplifting those around her.

“Not just a select few,” he said, “because real change happens faster when people rise together, she isn’t focused on personal gain or recognition. She wants to see others grow and succeed and reach their full potential.”

Having the support of family makes a difference.

Nolasco reflects on his time at Ferrum, a home he had for 4 years. 

“Beyond my physical demands of the sport, my time at Ferrum helped me grow as a person,” Nolasco said. “I learned how to take ownership of my role on the team and truly understand what it means to be part of something bigger than myself.”

Nolasco was a midfielder on the Men’s Soccer team during the time he had here.

“The coaches, Matt Cureton and James Morgan, have had a significant impact on who I am today,” he said. “They would always push me beyond my comfort zone and held me to a high standard. Their influence helped shape my confidence, mindset, and approach to any challenge, preparing me not only for athletics but for life after college.”

Now in Rome, he has experienced more than soccer–the culture of food and living.

“The people I’ve met have been very welcoming and friendly. They are incredibly passionate, especially when it comes to soccer. Soccer here isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life” he said. “The food has also been amazing, everything is fresh and full of flavor. From the pasta to the pizza, it truly lives up to the hype.”

After Nolasco finishes his masters degree, his plan is to continue to grow both professionally and athletically. He wants to use his degree in Business Administration to open opportunities in the business and sport world, while also continuing to pursue soccer at a competitive level for as long as he can.

His goal is to keep an open mind and focus on gaining experience, building connections, and seeing where the combination of education and soccer takes him next.

“It’s been an incredible experience, both academically and personally,” he said. “I’ve loved being able to truly immerse myself in the culture.”