For NCC athlete Inigo Montoya, soccer has influenced where he lives, the choices he’s made and opportunities he’s taken. After suffering two knee injuries, Montoya discovered a truth about himself: soccer was not his identity.
Soccer before college
Montoya spent the first 17 years of his life in Guadalajara, Mexico before moving to Spain to play soccer during his junior and senior years of high school. His love for soccer brought him to the U.S., where he chose NCC for soccer, academics and proximity to family.
NCC men’s soccer players, including #20 Inigo Montoya, on the field after North Central’s win against NWU on 9/13/26. (Photo taken by Steve Woltmann)
His experience playing soccer in Mexico shaped the way he viewed the sport. Montoya described playing in a high-pressure environment of a competitive academy where players were constantly expected to perform to stay on the team. The pressure to perform made it difficult to separate how he felt about himself and as a soccer player.
“If you’re good enough, you’re going to get more money,” Montoya said. “If you’re not good enough, you’re going to get cut.”
This mindset carried into his soccer career, where he realized the pressure and his performances began to affect how he felt. His injuries led him to take a break from the game that his life had revolved around.
Injury
Montoya suffered his first meniscus tear in March 2025, which required surgery and a six-month recovery. He reinjured the same knee in February 2026, requiring a second surgery to fix the damage to his meniscus and cartilage. The physical recovery was challenging, but the mental side was a different obstacle. Being forced to step away gave him the opportunity to realize just how much of his identity was tied to soccer.
He began to recognize that his value was not defined by how good he performed or whether he was able to play.
“The person that helped me the most was definitely God,” Montoya said.
Faith
Montoya gives his faith a lot of credit for helping him through his rehabilitation. He started to understand that his injury may have happened for a reason. His experience helped him realize that there was more to life than just sports.
After returning, Montoya brought a new outlook that made soccer much more exciting for him. He began to enjoy playing for the sole reason that he loves the game. He has learned to take on a different role within the team that allowed him to contribute even when he’s not on the field as much as he hoped.
Inigo Montoya, #20, supporting the team from the sideline against Benedictine University, 9/3/26.” (Photo by Steve Woltmann)
Montoya no longer measures his impact on playing time. He has concentrated on supporting his teammates and helping them in more ways than just soccer.
“My goal is to make people better every single day,” he said.
Temporarily stepping away from soccer ultimately helped Montoya better understand his relationship with the sport. The recovery became an opportunity to realize that his identity was not based on his ability to play.
Even though soccer will likely continue to be an important part of his life, Montoya has come to understand that it is only one part of who he is.
North Central’s men’s soccer team celebrates regular season championship after winning against Augustana College, 10/28/26.” [Photo by Esmie Alwaeli/NCC Chronicle]
