Soccer is the talk of the whole world right now, thanks to the World Cup. Children, teens, and adults watch the games, and dream of what it would be like to play soccer in such a setting. For young adults, such as Colombian native Pablo Boada, who have played and loved soccer most of their lives, there is an even greater appreciation for what is unfolding on their screens, and an inspiration to compete even harder when they play. Boada, who will be a freshman at Christendom in the fall, hopes to continue competing in soccer when he arrives on campus, but, even more, he hopes for something greater: to continue growing as a servant, dedicated to helping others both at home and beyond.
Pablo Boada.
Boada, born in Colombia but raised in Woodlands, Texas, is known for his generous spirit, his hunger for learning, and his athleticism at Frassati Catholic High School. All three traits have been exemplified numerous times in awards, with Boada earning Academic All-State honors for soccer and golf, and being named a student-athlete award winner as well. Boada is filled with a drive to give more than 100% to everything with which he is involved, whether it be in sports, theater, or on mission trips, such as his trip to Nicaragua last year (Pablo will go on a mission trip to Mexico this year as well, as a follow-up to last year’s trip).
When it came time to choose a college, Boada saw only one school as his number one choice: Christendom. He found it to be the most authentically Catholic school, something that motivated him to apply as soon as he could. Boada is already known for being a servant for others, but wants to grow in this ability. Christendom, for him, is the perfect place for that to happen.
Boada (in blue) loves soccer, and hopes to play at the collegiate level at Christendom.
“I would like to fill my days in the Christendom community by being a good and faithful servant that has used his talents well,” says Boada. “In serving my classmates through friendships, intellectual discussions, and activities; also, by seeing Christ, the teacher, in my professors and mentors and advancing each day in the knowledge of the path that God has set before me.”
Boada was a Padre Pio Full-Tuition Scholarship finalist this past spring — evidence of his academic prowess. This fall, he will be able to utilize his academic gifts to grow in wisdom and virtue, and to serve those around him: on the soccer field, in the residence halls, or even in D.C.
“I like dares. I like daring to be great. I like fighting the demon of mediocrity with the knowledge of Truth, and I want to fight for Happiness, even if my whole life becomes a battlefield,” concludes Boada.