The 2022-23 Rams Reflect is the eighth in a series of annual collections. Senior captains and representatives of Suffolk teams have been invited to contribute viewpoints based on personal experience from both their senior seasons and full varsity careers at Suffolk.
For a complete listing of past and present Rams’ Reflections, click here.
Elias Parreira, Men's Soccer | Hometown: Chelmsford, Mass. | Major: Business Ecomonics
As my soccer career comes to an end, I’m beginning to realize how much of an impact this sport has had on my life. I had a similar realization after my senior season in high school ended and it was then that I recognized I was not ready to stop playing the sport I loved, which led me to start reaching out to coaches to see who would give me a chance to play in college. I was lucky enough to be given an opportunity to play here at Suffolk and it ended up being the best decision I’ve made.
I have not had a conventional four-year career at Suffolk, I’ve played under three different coaches and, like many, had a season cancelled due to the pandemic. Although this seemed negative at first, I believe this adversity brought us closer together as a team and made us appreciate the sport, and each other, even more. We have become more than just a team; we have become a family. I have met people who will be life-long friends, who I will always be able to confide in and I am beyond thankful for that.
To incoming freshmen:
I know you’ve all heard countless times about how diverse our community is and how “the city is our campus” but after spending four years here, as cliché as it sounds, it’s true. Going to school in the city creates such an incredible college experience that not many other schools can offer. I encourage you to make the most of the opportunities that the city and Suffolk have to offer. Try new things, explore every corner of the city, and take a leap out of your comfort zone. You’ll meet people from all over the world and experience things only living in Boston could provide, and it will shape you to be a better person.
To my teammates:
Enjoy every moment. Enjoy the cold, rainy, and even snowy practice sessions, enjoy taking the T to practice because the vans aren’t ready, enjoy the good games and the bad games, and most of all, enjoy the process. Before you know it, you’ll be reflecting on your career as a Ram, and you’ll realize how quickly it all goes by. I look forward to watching you guys play in the seasons to come and to see how successful you can all be, individually and as a team. I truly believe this team has laid the foundation for Suffolk men's soccer to be a successful program for years to come.