As a senior captain of the Delbarton soccer team, Matias Deicas-Sykora has embraced the rich tradition of excellence that the program stands for. A skilled midfielder with deep roots in the South American fútbol culture, Deicas-Sykora's soccer journey is as inspiring as it is impressive.

For Matias, soccer isn't just a sport — it's a way of life. Born to a Uruguayan father and a Venezuelan mother, he was immersed in the world of fútbol from an early age. "Because both of my parents are South American, I grew up within the soccer, or fútbol as we call it, culture," he says. His passion for the game began when he joined his town's team at the age of five, followed by his membership with his club team STA, where he has been a loyal member ever since.

Choosing Delbarton

When it came time to choose a high school, Matias was drawn to Delbarton for more than just its academic and athletic reputation. "I chose Delbarton because I believed it was the perfect fit for me — physically, spiritually, and mentally," he explains. While he had several top high schools to consider, the strength of Delbarton's soccer program, led by David Donovan, ultimately made the decision easy. "The quality of the soccer program and its coaches made Delbarton stand out."

This year, Delbarton soccer has been nothing short of spectacular, and Matias believes the team's chemistry and work ethic are the keys to their success. "We're undefeated, and we've played some very good teams. What stands out about this group is our selflessness. Every player is willing to fight for each other."  This has shown directly on the field, as the team moves onto the Morris County Quarterfinals today.

As a leader, Matias has emphasized the importance of team culture. "We might not have one standout player like in years past, but we are a collection of very talented players who fight for each other." He also attributes their success to the team's defensive work rate, a quality that's hard to teach but essential for winning games.

Personal Challenges and Triumphs

Matias's high school journey hasn't been without challenges. In October 2020, his father passed away after a battle with brain cancer, a loss that deeply affected him. "My father died during the high school application process, and it was incredibly tough," he reflects. However, Matias found support through his coaches, teammates, and faith, all of which helped him persevere. "Coach Donovan played a big role in helping me get accustomed to Delbarton, and I leaned on my family and friends for support."

Last season, Matias also faced a major hip injury that sidelined him for quite some time. But, instead of letting the setback define him, he leaned on Delbarton's motto of Succisa Virescit, and used the experience to grow. "All of the people at Delbarton — my teachers, coaches, friends — were super supportive and helped me keep my head high during this tough time," he shares. His optimistic mindset and faith allowed him to turn adversity into an opportunity to become stronger.

Balancing Academics and Athletics

Balancing soccer with the demands of senior year — which includes five AP classes, being president of the Spanish club, and serving as a campus minister — requires immense discipline. "It's often hard to balance these things, but playing soccer at Delbarton has helped me become more time-efficient," Matias explains. He credits organization and leaning on his close friends for support as key to managing the busy schedule.

As Matias's high school soccer career comes to a close, his focus remains on creating lasting memories with his teammates and leaving a legacy for future Delbarton players. "My main goal for this season is to win a state championship, but I also want to be an influential role model for younger players and create a season that will be talked about for years to come."  For younger students considering joining Delbarton soccer, Matias offers simple advice: "Go all in. You're already here, so why not give it your fullest effort?"