On this episode of Hometown FC, we sit down with Valerie Vargas, rising star at UCLA Women’s Soccer and a key player for the Mexico U23 Women’s National Team.

Valerie opens up about what it really takes to succeed at one of the top college programs in the country while chasing international dreams with El Tri. From balancing academics and national team call-ups, to handling pressure, sacrifice, and self-belief — this episode is a masterclass in what it means to grind with purpose.

We get into the real development talk too: youth soccer culture, recruiting mistakes, playing up vs. dominating your age, and what young players often get wrong about ”making it.”

This one’s for the ballers, the dreamers, the parents, and the players chasing something bigger than just stats.

🎧 Tap in and get inspired.