Carolina Esparza is a sophomore student-athlete on the women’s soccer team at City College. Esparza started playing soccer when she was 9 years old and began competitive club soccer at 13. She is from Santa Barbara and chose to attend City College straight out of high school after being offered the opportunity to continue her soccer career.

Since her freshman year, she has started and played in every game. This year, Esparza earned the role of team captain, a milestone she has valued deeply. Outside of athletics, Esparza has worked for campus security for the past year and a half while balancing academics and soccer. While working and still balancing being a student-athlete, she has maintained a 3.8 GPA. Her goal is to transfer in fall 2026 and continue playing soccer at the next level.

Carolina Esparza, a sophomore at City College, dribbles the ball during a practice scrimmage on Oct. 29 at La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. Esparza looks for an opening as she maneuvers past teammates acting as defenders. (Robert Wilson)
Carolina Esparza relaxes on the ground with teammates after a practice on Oct. 29 at La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. Esparza smiles as she chats with her teammates, enjoying a light moment following training. (Robert Wilson)
Carolina Esparza studies and takes notes on Nov. 16 on the second floor of the West Campus Center at City College in Santa Barbara, Calif. Despite the rainy day outside, warm indoor lighting highlights Esparza’s focused expression as she works. (Robert Wilson)
Carolina Esparza hands a completed parking pass to a student on Nov. 18 at a campus booth in Santa Barbara, Calif. Esparza works for campus security. (Robert Wilson)
Carolina Esparza maintains control of the ball while challenging an opponent on Nov. 22 at City College’s La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. Esparza plays on defense and displays a determined expression as she keeps possession during the women’s soccer match. (Robert Wilson)
Carolina Esparza, team captain of the women’s soccer team, sends a pass on Nov. 22 at City College’s La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. Esparza demonstrates precise ball control as she distributes the ball to a teammate during the soccer match. (Robert Wilson)
Carolina Esparza celebrates with her mother, Debbie Esparz, after a victory on Oct. 30 at La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. The two smile broadly as her mother congratulates Esparza on the win. (Robert Wilson)

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