Athlete Highlight: Agustin (Augie) Lara
My favorite memory of 2024 was being inducted into the Colorado Special Olympics Hall of Fame as Male Athlete of the Year. It meant a lot to me. It proves to me that hard work does pay off, but I couldn’t have done this without the love and support of my family and friends.
What is your favorite part about being on the Switchbacks Unified Team?
My favorite part about being on the team are my coaches and teammates. Because most of my Teammates and coaches and myself have competed against each other in competitions, but now we’re teammates, for me, it’s an opportunity for us to get to know each other. I have enjoyed every moment of getting to know my teammates and coaches.
How would you define success in athletics?
My definition of success is hard work and dedication, but most importantly I believe in having fun. You should have fun learning the sport to maximize your abilities and build up confidence. You need to believe in your own ability in order to have fun while participating in the sport.
What got you interested in joining the Switchbacks Unified Team?
I got interested last year when we had a fundraiser game against the Colorado Springs Police Department. I had a lot of fun playing that night. Half of my teammates were talking about the switchbacks Unified Team. I’d heard about the team before. It looked really fun and I wanted to give it a shot.
What are 3 goals you would like to achieve in future soccer seasons?
For my first goal, I would like to learn to communicate more. Especially for the position I play, I have to communicate with my teammates because I have a better view of the field then they do a lot of the time, so it’s important I communicate with them when I need to. 2. I would like to learn more about soccer. I know a little bit about the game. I’m still learning and I enjoy being a student of the game. This leads me to my third goal which is to learn my position. Coach Justin has taught me more about being a goalie than I thought, and I have enjoyed practicing and honing my new found skills. As the season goes I want to do my best.
I have a lot of hobbies. I do collect sports memorabilia and sports cards. I love to read comic books, Wolverine and Deadpool are my favorites. I love to spend time with family and friends. I also bowl in a league with some of my family members too.
What are three things that you are looking forward to in the 2025 season?
For my first season, I’m looking forward to creating new memories with the team. I’m really looking forward to being a leader to my teammates and coaches too. Finally, one of the most important things I’m looking forward to is having fun playing the sport and learning more about the game to increase my skills. Let’s go Switchbacks
Athlete Highlight: Joshua Tobiasz
What was your favorite memory from the 2024 season?
Traveling with my teammates/friends!!
What is your favorite part about being on the Switchbacks Unified Team?
When I kick a goal!
What got you interested in joining the Switchbacks Unified Team?
Because I love soccer and I’m good at it.
What are 3 goals you would like to achieve in future soccer seasons?
- Make more goals!
- Pass the ball to my teammates.
- Have fun dancing with my friends!
What are your favorite hobbies and things to do outside of soccer?
Hang out with friends, play basketball, play video games!
What are three things that you are looking forward to in the 2025 season?
Meeting up with team mates at restaurants.
Traveling to Wisconsin to play a new team
Having family and friends come watch my home games
Coach Highlight: Chad Bregg
What was your favorite memory from the 2024 season?
My favorite memories were from the Sacramento trip when we played in the 5 v 5 soccer facility.
What is your favorite part about being on the Switchbacks Unified Team?
Building relationships and watching our players learn and grow on and off the field.
What got you interested in joining the Switchbacks Unified Team?
What are three goals you would like to see the Unified Team achieve in the future?
- That our players continue to grow on the soccer field and in life off the field
- That our players continue to have amazing experiences through different opportunities to travel and help grow the USL Unified League
- To beat Omaha
What are your favorite hobbies and things to do outside of soccer?
My favorite hobbies outside of soccer are hiking and hanging out with friends and family.
How do you define success in athletics?
I define it as continuing to learn and grow through the adversity that athletics can bring. Every season gives athletes and coaches opportunities to learn and grow. You might not win the championship or win a game but you can learn from every situation you go through in the season and grow from that.
What are three things that you are looking forward to this year?
- Traveling to Madison and enjoying new experiences
- Continuing to build relationships with players and coaches
- Hopefully beating Omaha
Peer Partner Highlight: Ashley Luce
What was your favorite memory from the 2024 season?
Going to Sacramento with the team. We stayed up playing UNO, got closer as a group and brought home the win. It was such a fun and rewarding trip.
What is your favorite part about being on the Switchbacks Unified Team?
What I love most about being on the Switchbacks is the chance of building lasting relationships. In the past three years, I’ve made some incredible friends who’ve truly made this experience special.
What got you interested in joining the Switchbacks Unified Team?
My friend Stephen was on the team and always spoke about how amazing the experience was. It inspired me to be a part of it myself.
What are three goals you would like to achieve in future soccer seasons?
- Strengthen defensive skills and field awareness
- Be a vocal leader on the field and communicate clearly and positively with my teammates during games to help direct the defense, support our goalkeeper and encourage unity across the field
- Support and Include all teammates (Lead by example by showing kindness, patience, and encouragement – making sure everyone feels confident, included, and proud to be
What are your favorite hobbies outside of soccer?
When I’m not playing soccer, I love hanging out with my family, going on hikes with my dogs, and staying active through workouts
How would you define success in athletics?
I define success in athletics as growing both as a player and a person, improving my skills, supporting my teammates, and showing resilience whether we win or lose.
What are three things you are looking forward to about the 2025 season?
Building Stronger Team Chemistry: I’m excited to grow closer with my teammates both on and off the field
Improving my skills and game understanding: I’m looking forward to sharpening my defensive abilities as a center back and contributing more confidently during matches
Competing and Challenging Ourselves: I can’t wait for the thrill of competition, pushing ourselves to perform at our best and making great memories – especially during our trip to Wisconsin this year
Meet Our Partners:
Sponsor Highlight: Rudy’s BBQ
Rudy’s Bar-B-Q is a proud sponsor of the Special Olympic Switchbacks Unified team. Be sure to stop by your local Rudy’s or Rudys.com to place your order for our Real Texas Bar-B-Q. Enjoy 100% oak smoked meats, delicious sides and Rudy’s signature “Sause”. And don’t forget, Rudy’s serves made-to-order and grab-and-go breakfast tacos every day until 10am.
Sponsor Highlight: Focus on the Family
A global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive. We provide help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God’s design, and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles. We’re here to come alongside families with relevance and grace at each stage of their journey. No matter who you are, what you’re going through or what challenges your family may be facing, we’re here to help. With practical resources – like our 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459) help line, counseling, websites and bookstore in Colorado Springs – we’re committed to providing trustworthy, biblical guidance and support.
