The Journey of Tiago Frazão: More Than a Captain
If you were watching my life unfold as a Netflix documentary, the first episode would be called "Adaptability."
From adjusting to college soccer during a pandemic to recovering from injury, changing environments, and shifting career goals. That word has followed me everywhere. It's been the thread through every challenge and transformation.
When I look back on my five years with Endicott men’s soccer, the moment that changed me most wasn’t a goal or a trophy. It was an injury. My junior season ended early with a torn hamstring. I had been hitting my stride, then suddenly, it was over. That kind of setback forces you to make a choice: let it derail you or use it as fuel. I chose the latter. I stayed close to the team, committed to rehab, and returned stronger. That experience shaped everything that followed. I became more vocal, more intentional, and more focused. We didn’t win it all, but we competed. I walked away proud of the effort we gave and the standard I tried to uphold for the next wave of Gulls.
My freshman year began during COVID, and in hindsight, it was the perfect reset. I was injured and not ready for the level, so the absence of games gave me time to adjust. That year became all about growth. We had a special group that pushed each other hard in training. Coach Cal set the tone, and I learned what real work ethic looked like. It laid the foundation for everything that followed.
I’ve been fortunate to be recognized with a few awards. Endicott Male Student-Athlete of the Year, CNE Offensive Player of the Year, Academic All-American. But for me, those are team awards. I had coaches who trusted me, teammates who believed in me, and a program that gave me room to lead. I was just trying to do my job.
Balancing soccer with academics wasn’t easy. But I believe if something matters to you, you’ll make time for it. I got good at managing my schedule, staying organized, and staying disciplined. Whether it was early lifts or late-night papers, I tried to be consistent. That mindset brought success in the classroom and on the field.
One of the highlights of my journey came through studying abroad in Madrid. Playing in the Futbol Emotion MF7 League gave me a whole new perspective. In Spain, the game was slower, smarter, more technical. It pushed me to refine my touch, to be more composed. It made me a more complete player.
Giving back has always been important to me. I mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters and LEAP for Education because I believe in showing up for others the way people showed up for me. You never know what someone is carrying. If I can help someone feel seen or supported, that’s time well spent.
Off the field, I’ve explored different professional paths. My dad always talked about developing land in the Dominican Republic, so real estate was always in the back of my mind. After internships in finance and construction, things started to click. At Windover, I saw what goes into project management and development, and it lined up perfectly with my interests. I recently accepted a position at Accenture and plan to take my Massachusetts real estate license exam this month. Long-term, I want to build something of my own.
To younger student-athletes: don’t tie your worth to stats, starts, or grades. That stuff fluctuates. What matters is your consistency, your discipline, and the way you treat people. Show up every day with purpose, and the results will take care of themselves.
As I look ahead, I hope to carry forward everything I’ve learned from on the field, in the classroom, and from the people who shaped me. I believe success is built through curiosity, relationships, and constant learning. That’s what I plan to keep chasing.
