Photo courtesy of senior Raquel Kalpakoff.

  San Luis Obispo High School senior Raquel Kalpakoff is committed to pursue her athletic and academic career this fall at the University of California San Diego. Kalpakoff is extremely excited to continue her passion for soccer at the Division I collegiate level. Expressions decided to find out more about Kalpakoff’s soccer career and decision to attend UCSD.

Expressions: When did you start playing soccer and what has continued your passion for the sport?

Senior Raquel Kalpakoff: I started playing soccer at the age of 5. My passion for soccer began as a way to be competitive and active but has transitioned into a creative outlet, a way to express myself, and a way to bring me closer to my friends and my school. Soccer has been a big part of my family since I was little, growing up with both of my parents playing soccer. The sport keeps me connected to them and, since I was exposed to the sport so young, it has always been there for me.

Expressions: What is your fondest memory in your soccer career?

Kalpakoff: My favorite memory is winning Central Section CIF my sophomore year. We had been Finalists the previous year in the Southern Section, so transitioning to a new section was a new experience for everyone. A lot of work went into getting the gold and I will never forget the feeling of knowing all of those sprints, drills, pasta feeds, team bonding, and double days had paid off.

Expressions: How did you know you wanted to play soccer in college and why UCSD?

Kalpakoff: I always was interested in playing soccer in college, but it wasn’t until my junior year at SLOHS that I knew I wanted to play soccer collegiately. It was really important to me that I would go to a school that matched who I am as a student and person. UCSD was my school of choice academically, so I began to pursue the coaches and get in contact. COVID definitely had an unusual impact on my recruiting process, but I am so thankful it all worked out. I cannot wait to play soccer at my dream school and still can’t believe I have the opportunity to play D1 college ball.

Expressions: What are you majoring in and what inspired that?

Kalpakoff: I will be majoring in Environmental Systems at UCSD with a focus in environmental policy. It is a unique interdisciplinary major to UCSD that focuses on the economic and social application of environmental science. I have always known I needed to do something involving the environment, as my love for the ocean has driven my passion for environmental change. The world is changing, and I would love to be a part of the solution. I hope to add additional focus towards coral reefs and minor in art.

Expressions: What is a piece of advice you would give to current SLOHS student athletes?

Kalpakoff: SLOHS student athletes, stay involved and appreciate every SLOHS athletic opportunity that comes your way. COVID has proven that you truly have no idea when a game could be your last, so enjoy and appreciate every second. Additionally, when pursuing a college that you’re interested in for sports, don’t choose the school simply because you have the opportunity to play sports there. Choose a college that you would feel confident in if you were going there regardless of sports. I have seen many athletes select colleges for athletic opportunities only to find out it wasn’t the right fit for them.  Choose the schools first, pursue the sport second! Good luck!

  Expressions wishes Kalpakoff luck with all of her future endeavors as a Triton and cannot wait to see what she accomplishes!