As the 2025 commencement ceremony took place at Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC), five SWOCC men’s soccer team members traded their cleats for caps and gowns, walking across the stage to complete at least part of their student-athlete journey. Their path is not unique, with about 45,000 men’s soccer players competing at various colleges nationwide. Still, their situation is one of a kind. To bring a collection of people to a small junior college on the Oregon Coast is a compilation of many random acts that have got a diverse group of young people together to grow in ways that would not have been possible if they had never met.
Bryan Contreras-Villa grew up on the Oregon Coast in Tillamook, Oregon. His college career began at Lane Community College during the COVID season, where a full schedule was not played, and it did not count against an athlete’s eligibility. He transferred to South Puget Sound Community College, where he had a very successful season. Still, after a coaching change, he decided to try a third college. Bryan ended up at SWOCC, where he planned to play one more season and finish his academics, but an injury in the first week of training cost him that chance. After rehab, setbacks, and a boatload of perseverance, Bryan completed his final year of eligibility at the junior college level. He captained the SWOCC side for the 2025 season. After the Fall term, Byan completed his associate’s degree and committed to playing soccer and studying at Ottawa University Arizona.
Ian Razo joined SWOCC from Puebla, Mexico, for the 2023 season. When the coach who recruited him left for a new opportunity, he was one of three players who chose to stay and lead the program with a new leader on the way in. He was a leader on the field during the Fall of 2024 before an unfortunate injury in training prematurely ended his season. After being granted a medical redshirt, Ian started to rehab and geared up for 2025. He played a massive part in anchoring the Laker backline and was a positive influence on and off the pitch. He will head to Great Falls, Montana, to play for the University of Providence.
From Hilo, Hawaii, Noa Quintana brought a physical presence to the pitch and dedication to the classroom. An NWAC All-Southern Region Honorable Mention, Noa brought the grit to the Laker midfield. His ability to play at a high standard and hold his teammates accountable is attributed to the team’s growth in his two years anchoring the midfield. Noa has found a great fit for himself academically and athletically as he is heading to Eastern Oregon University next Fall to pursue his bachelor’s and play more soccer.
English fullback Danny Coe transferred to SWOCC during his freshman year after things at his first college did not work out. He is an intelligent player who can hit a dangerous cross and put in a strong tackle. Danny’s greatest asset was his ability to bring his teammates together. There was never a quiet moment when Danny was around. He ensured everyone felt involved and in a sport where communication is the key to success. He graduated with his associate’s degree and plans to head back to Rochester, England, and start his career.
Dingiswayo “Sway” Nyirenda could do it all on the pitch and in the classroom. Sway made everything that he did look effortless, but not many people put in as much work as he did. He was recruited late in the summer of 2024. Once he committed, he inserted himself positively into the team straight away. He finished his career as a First-Team All-South Region selection and represented SWOCC at the NWAC All-Star match. Sway will continue his athletic and academic excellence next year in his home city of Toronto.
Over the past two seasons, the group contributed in ways that go beyond wins and losses, they showed the group that will replace them how to move forward as a student athlete. Five incredible individuals who came together to play on a team, but are taking very different paths going forward. The only thing they had in common two years ago was that they chose a destination to play soccer and take classes. Danny Coe summed it up, “What an amazing two years, wouldn’t change it for anything.”
They took one more moment to come together at the pitch where they played all their home games before splitting into different directions. Posing for photos, chatting with teammates, friends, and families, and most importantly, taking a little time for one more Rondo. Soccer was their connection, and SWOCC was the place that allowed them to come together. As they take their final steps on campus, these five players embody the promise of college athletics, the power to bring people together, help them grow, and prepare them for what comes next.
Timbers Tally 
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