CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – When Dan Figura was searching for a college to call home, soccer was a key factor in his decision. As he explored his options, one school stood out for its rich history of success, beautiful campus, and driven coaching staff — Loras College.
Little did he know that this decision would lead him to an incredible journey as a student-athlete in the American Rivers Conference.
Joining the storied soccer program at Loras, Figura was determined to contribute to the team's success and make a name for himself as a Duhawk.
"I think a lot of high school soccer players get caught up in wanting to play Division I," Figura said. "But I think it's important to know there are D3 programs that can compete with Division I teams. I was one of those players that tried my hardest to play Division I. When I showed up to Loras preseason as a freshman, I was quickly humbled and spent most of the season on the reserves team. It wasn’t until my sophomore year I got a spot on the varsity team, and I was an All-American my junior and senior years. It was only through hard work and dedication I was able to get myself and my team to be successful."
Loras College has a proud history of athletic achievements, and Figura was eager to carry on that legacy. Throughout his time at Loras, he experienced the thrill of victory and the camaraderie of being part of a team that achieved great success.
One of his fondest memories was winning the Elite Eight game on Loras' home field, which secured the team's ticket to the Final Four in San Antonio.
"The games were hard-fought battles, but the excitement of achieving that milestone was indescribable," Figura said. "It was a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the entire team."
As a student-athlete, Figura understood the importance of balancing academics and athletics. He embraced the challenges of being a Division III student-athlete, knowing that success on the field required hard work and commitment in all aspects of life.
"The experience taught me valuable life lessons that I carry with me to this day," Figura said. "It was about more than just the wins and losses; it was about the friendships and memories we made along the way."
After graduating from Loras, Figura embarked on his career journey, now working as a sales representative for Stryker in the joint replacement division.
Figura credits his time at Loras and his experience as a student-athlete for preparing him for this role. The competitive edge and determination he developed on the soccer field translated into his professional life, allowing him to succeed in a highly competitive industry.
In his personal life, Figura is happily married to his wife, Kaitlyn, who is also a Loras alum. They have two children, Seb and Luisa, and reside in Madison, Wisconsin.
Family is of utmost importance to Figura, and he cherishes the time spent playing with his children and creating lasting memories with his loved ones.
Reflecting on his time as a student-athlete, Figura emphasizes the importance of confidence and having fun.
"Before every soccer game, our coach always reminded us to go out and have fun," Figura said. "I think that attributed to a lot of our success. It's a valuable lesson that I carry with me in all aspects of life."
As Figura continues his journey in the real world, he remains grateful for the experiences and friendships he gained at Loras. His time at the college taught him the significance of surrounding himself with good people and staying connected with friends. These relationships have enriched his life in ways he never imagined.
Figura's story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the impact of being a student-athlete in the American Rivers Conference.
Through the highs and lows, he embraced the challenges, made lifelong friends, and achieved success both on and off the field.
Figura encourages current and prospective student-athletes to consider the opportunities and growth that Division III programs offer, as they can provide an experience just as fulfilling and impactful as any other level of competition.
By choosing Loras College, Figura found his path to success and made memories that will last a lifetime.
"I am most proud of the friendships I made at Loras," Figura said. "Many of them being my teammates, they will be my best friends for the rest of my life. I give a lot of credit to Loras and the coaching staff for creating such an amazing college environment for us to create lifelong memories."
Don't forget to become a fan of the American Rivers Conference on Facebook @AmericanRiversConference, X (Twitter) @AmerRiversConf, and Instagram @AmericanRiversConference.
About the American Rivers Conference
The Conference dates back to December 8, 1922, when representatives from 12 colleges got together and formed the "Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association." Honoring its heritage in Iowa and its expansion outside the state, the American Rivers Conference brand was established on August 9, 2018, to build on the academic and athletic success provided by its legacy, the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The A-R-C has nine full-time members: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.
