PRESQUE ISLE, ME
The University of Maine at Presque Isle men's soccer team has added an outstanding midfielder/striker from Hidalgo, Texas to their 2026 recruiting class. Jesus (Nico) Vargas, a talented player from Texas will join the Owls this fall after a very successful career at Valley View High School in Southern Texas.
Vargas was a 4 year starter for Valley View High School, where he made an immediate impact his freshman season and continued this success throughout his 4 year varsity career. He was named to the Honorable Mention All District Team in multiple seasons while leading his team to the District 30 Championship. As an attacking midfielder Nico has scored 10 goals and recorded 10 assists over the past year. His high school team is having another successful season this spring 2026 and is poised to make the upcoming District playoffs in March.
When Vargas's coach, Isreal Lince, was asked about Nico he stated "I knew when I first met Nico his freshman year that he was a special player. He made an immediate impact with his outstanding skills on the ball and his ability to read the game and be one step ahead of everyone on the pitch. His energy and contagious winning attitude will make a great addition to the University of Maine at Presque Isle's men's soccer program."
Vargas plans to study Business at UMPI this fall and when asked about coming to Presque Isle to play for the Owls Nico stated "I am very excited to join the Umpi men's soccer team and work with my new teammates to compete for a conference championship."
U-Maine Presque Isle Head Coach Alan Gordon is extremely excited to have Nico join the Owls team in 2026 and is looking forward to seeing him in action with the rest of his teammates this fall. According to Coach Gordon "Nico's outstanding skill and decision making ability will make him an outstanding addition to this next year's team. I am excited to see him on the field with his new teammates soon." The Owls will begin the 2026 soccer season in late August when they arrive on campus for the start of preseason practices.
