Athlete of the Week - Durango Football's Julian Vargas Gemoya

Athlete of the Week – Durango Football’s Julian Vargas Gemoya

For Julian Vargas Gemoya, football has always been about more than what happens between the whistles. The Durango High School outside linebacker spent five years sitting on the bench, heard people tell him he was not good enough, and struggled with being naturally quiet. Through it all, he kept showing up. Now, as a member of the Class of 2027, he is determined to finish his high school career strong and prove that the people who doubted him were wrong.

Gemoya first discovered football at 8 years old while watching his older brother practice. One day, his brother’s coach noticed him standing on the sidelines with his mom and invited him to join the team. At first, he was nervous and did not really want to play.

Once Julian got on the field, though, something clicked.

Over the next decade, football became a major part of his life. His position changed along the way, starting on the defensive line in youth football before moving to safety in high school. By his sophomore year, he was playing a hybrid role between safety and outside linebacker, where he discovered just how much he enjoyed playing defense.

“I really started to love playing defense and hitting people,” Gemoya said.

That physical style of play has become one of his biggest strengths. While some players hesitate when it comes to making contact, Gemoya embraces the challenge.

“I would say my biggest strength is being able to come down and hit somebody because most people are scared to hit and get hurt,” he said.

His biggest accomplishment so far has little to do with a tackle, a sack, or a big play. For Gemoya, it is the fact that he never walked away from the sport, even when opportunities were limited. Growing up, he spent five consecutive years on the bench. He was often told he was not good enough or that being quiet was holding him back. Instead of letting those comments determine his future, he continued attending practices and games because he loved football.

“I’m proud that I kept going and believed in myself, even when others didn’t see my potential,” Gemoya said.

That perseverance is something he carries beyond the football field. For much of his childhood, he viewed being quiet as a weakness.

Football helped him realize that listening, paying attention, and putting in the work can matter more than being the loudest person in the room.

“Football has taught me how to handle adversity and keep going when things don’t go as planned,” he said. “Don’t listen to what people have to say about you. Prove everyone wrong.”

Behind that determination is his biggest supporter: his mom, Lisamarie. She raised Gemoya, his older brother, and his younger sister on her own, doing everything she could to support her family. Throughout his 10 years playing football, she has never missed a practice or a game. Even during the years when he spent more time on the bench than on the field, she continued cheering him on. Her belief in him has remained constant, regardless of how much playing time he received or what others thought of his abilities.

“Knowing how much she has supported me motivates me to keep working hard, get better, and make her proud,” Gemoya said. “She’s always been my biggest supporter, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.”

His mom’s influence also shapes the goals he has for his future. Gemoya hopes to play football at the college level and earn a degree, accomplishing something that would make his family proud.

If he reaches both goals, he would become the first grandchild in his family to play a sport and graduate from college.

“I want to be able to finish school and make her proud,” he said.

Before he gets there, Gemoya has plenty left to accomplish at Durango. Along with football, he competes in wrestling and track, and he wants to finish his high school career strong in all three sports. Once football season ends, his attention will turn to wrestling, where he hopes to qualify for state and earn a place on the podium.

Away from sports, he enjoys playing video games and spending time with friends. His friends and family might describe him as funny, cool, and handsome, but the people who have watched his journey know there is more to him than his personality.

With graduation approaching in 2027, Gemoya is still chasing the same dream that has kept him going through the toughest parts of his football career. He wants to play at the next level, earn his college degree, and make his family proud. For someone who spent years waiting for his opportunity, the goal is no longer just about proving he belongs on the field…

It is about showing himself, his mom, and everyone who believed in him that continuing to show up can make all the difference.

More FSM Athlete of the Week

Catch up on past honorees: Bonanza Football’s Braeden Osotio, Liberty Flag Football’s Trishelle Tucay, Shadow Ridge’s Keira Rodriguez and Centennial Football’s Jayden “Jet” Thomas, or see the full list of FSM Athlete of the Week winners. Know an athlete who deserves it? Nominate them here, and vote in this week’s poll.

Franchise Sports Media. Las Vegas sports news about Las Vegas Sports teams.

— Keira Orton (@sportswithkeira) for Franchise Sports Media

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