Fab Five: Nick Cirrito

LA JOLLA, Calif. – Photographs have the ability to capture important pieces of our past and help us recall people, places, feelings, and memories that made an impact on our lives. For many scholar-athletes, pictures secure those special moments and assist in making their collegiate careers last forever.

In a feature called “Fab Five”, Triton scholar-athletes are tasked to pick five of their favorite photos from the 2021-22 season to be highlighted on UCSDtritons.com. 

Today, Nick Cirrito, a forward on the men's soccer team, shares his collection.

In the program's first Division I season, Cirrito paced the Tritons in goals scored in 2021. He started all 16 matches and will go down in the record book after scoring UC San Diego's first-ever Division I goal in a match at UNLV in August.

An urban studies and planning major out of UC San Diego's Muir College with minors in environmental studies and climate change studies, Cirrito plans to attend grad school at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, recently confirming that he will return to the soccer team for the 2022 season.

1. Stepping Up in Competition

This was one of my most memorable collegiate games as we faced off against Big West foe, UC Santa Barbara. The atmosphere was great as Triton Soccer Stadium was at full capacity with fans rooting for their home side. While we came up short, we played a tremendous 90 minutes of soccer and placed ourselves as one of the most organized defensive programs in the conference. 

2. A Helping Hand

This picture speaks a thousand words as my teammate, John Foltyn helped me up after I was fouled against Santa Clara. This image represents the unity and fortitude we have as a program. We have grown stronger through adversity and we are always there for each other in support on and off the field.

3. Ready to Roll

There is no greater feeling than walking out prior to the start of each home match. This image showcases the mental focus of our program as we were about to compete against the nationally ranked Santa Clara University. I am grateful to be a part of such a determined and talented group of guys who play their hearts out every game! 

4. Focused for 90+ Minutes

Here I stand over the ball as we have an offensive attack against Santa Clara University. This game showcased the true strength of our program as we battled a full 90 minutes and a double overtime. Each player exemplified the characteristics of a UCSD Men’s Soccer Triton through their work ethic, commitment, and ability to perform during one of the most demanding games of the season. 

5. Up for the Challenge

Our Big West opponents are some of the most physically demanding games on our schedule. Fortunately, we have an incredible weight training staff who help us prepare to be physically prepared for opponents like these. 

Check back on UCSDTritons.com all summer for future editions of “Fab Five” from other UC San Diego scholar-athletes. 
 

About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of the Big West Conference in NCAA Division I. The 23-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 38 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world's preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.