IRRERA Second Team, 2003 Honorable Mention, 2002 Honorable Mention, 2000

Juan Pablo Irrera
of Columbia College Cougars

Juan Pablo Irrera’s soccer career started like most players’ in Latin America — when he was very young. By age 2 or 3, he was already playing in Buenos Aires, where he played for five years for the Boca Juniors club team. But his career took a much different turn than that of many of his counterparts’. In July 2000, J.P. came to the United States with a showcase program of 100 international soccer players. Columbia College coach John Klein saw him play against Lindenwood University in St. Charles and offered him a scholarship.
“The thing I first noticed about J.P. was his footwork,” Klein said. “He does things with the ball that no other college player does.”
The distance from home has proven to be somewhat difficult, though. His parents have never seen him play here, and although he goes home for holidays and summer vacation, J.P. says it is difficult to come back to the States each time.
“It’s really hard sometimes for me when I score or I receive some recognition and they are not here to enjoy it with me,” he said.
As far as the playing field is concerned, J.P. shows no signs of trepidation. Not only did he help the team to secure a 15-7 record and a national tournament bid, but he also led the Columbia College Cougars in goals and assists and was named as a second team All-American and first team All-Region. However, American fans do not always notice his efforts.
“In Latin America, you play in a stadium where 70,000 people are yelling your name,” he said. “Here, the stadium is not always full because Americans care more about other sports.”
Still, soccer remains J.P.’s favorite activity; after trying for the national tournament again next season, he hopes to finish his degree in business administration and international business and play for the major league team, the Kansas City Wizards.
“J.P. can do pretty much anything; he has great flair to his game and a great personality off the field,” Klein said.

— Sara Stoltz