Growing up, West Aurora senior Bella Vargas idolized her older sister Priscila. Bella even mirrored Priscilla’s position on the field by starting out in soccer as a defender.
Something stirred in her, however, about finding her identity — her own place in the sun.
“I had this knack for playmaking and scoring, so one of my coaches put me in the middle,” Bella said. “I loved playing the midfield, scoring goals and creating for my teammates.”
Vargas did her share of that last season for the Blackhawks, scoring nine goals and creating 10 assists. The Lewis recruit is back, ready to lead a program with several fresh faces.
And she’s eager to lead the way.
“I definitely think being more of a leader is going to be one of the biggest challenges,” Vargas said. “Last season and the year before, I was trying my best to be a good leader.
“We have a lot of new players who are still getting the hang of how we play.”
The savvy and experience of Vargas is vital on a team that features eight sophomores and three freshmen. The graduation of scoring leader Lizzy Kuhn is another void to fill.
This season, Vargas is likely to toggle between playing in the midfield and at the top of the formation at forward in order to optimize scoring chances for West Aurora.
Her speed is her best trait.
“I just love to play straight off the bat as soon as the whistle blows,” she said. “I try to go at everything with full confidence.”
In that way, Vargas sets the example the rest of the team draws strength from, according to senior defender Xochitl Galvan.
“There is this secret understanding between everyone that we just listen to her,” Galvan said. “She is never rude or demanding. She just treats everybody as friends.
“She also knows when to be serious, and everyone also knows when to take her seriously.”
With a fearless style, Vargas has demonstrated a great feel and intuitive understanding of the game.
“She knows what it takes to be successful and holds her teammates accountable,” West Aurora coach Laura Wagley said of Vargas. “She is a dominating force on the field and knows the game so well.”
Vargas’ older brother Abel, a West Aurora graduate, played at Waubonsee Community College. Priscila also played goalkeeper at Waubonsee.
Watching her siblings play at a high level was deeply empowering.
“My sister was a big influence on me,” Bella said. “I definitely wanted to push as strong as she did with a similar mindset. A big part was just watching soccer and being part of the game.
“Even watching professional players and seeing their approach and mentality has definitely influenced me.”
The start of Vargas’ high school career was overshadowed by the most trying of circumstances. She lost her entire freshman season to the pandemic.
Relationships with her teammates and friendships took on greater value.
“I met Bella my freshman year and we became friends instantly,” Galvan said. “I noticed she is really good on the field. Off the field, she is fun to be around. She is always there for you.”
As winter gives to spring, before spring gives way summer, Vargas wants to take it all in as the high school stage of life nears its conclusion.
“I want to enjoy this season because I know it’s going to be my last,” she said. “Most of my girls, I am not going to be able to see them as much once they get to college.
“The competitiveness of high school soccer is just different from club. I love getting used to harder things and I love that diversity.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.