Stefan Varga is concentrated and remembers his training as he stands on the blocks, looking at the water and ready to jump. Below the surface, his path from his hometown to Omaha is one of tenacity, hard work, and community.
Omaha’s swim and dive teams have had a memorable year so far, breaking many school records and finishing first in several events. Varga, their star swimmer, began his record-breaking season with a leap of faith.
Varga, a junior from Stockholm, Sweden, made a life-changing decision to cross the Atlantic Ocean and begin his collegiate swimming career at Texas Christian University.
He is now a junior transfer with the Mavericks after making another critical decision: entering the transfer portal following his sophomore season as a Horned Frog.
“The portal was a fairly simple and straightforward process once I had decided on coming to UNO,” Varga told me. “I think since I transferred after completing my bachelor’s degree, I had a much easier transition than others who begin the process while still pursuing a degree.”
Varga was one of two international athletes on the Omaha roster, which presented a unique set of obstacles.
“Being only one of two internationals can at times feel isolating, as I don’t always share social and cultural norms with the majority of the team,” he told me. “Although, I think the difference in environment — Stockholm compared to Omaha — contributes a lot.”
Despite cultural differences, Varga has found a place in Omaha.
“The team is full of kind and considerate people, and I always feel welcomed and included by my teammates,” Varga told reporters. “I’ve become very accustomed to American culture and traditions.”
Varga’s transition in the pool was flawless. His name currently dominates the Mavericks’ record books, as the junior has school-best timings in the 100 back (47.96), 50 back (22.19), and 200 back (1:46.92). Beyond UNO, he has the fastest times in the Summit League.
“It’s been fun to break school records,” Varga stated with a smile. “It feels fantastic to make progress and be recognized for my successes. I couldn’t have done it without the help of the squad and coaching staff; they make the effort worthwhile.”
As Varga continues to lead the Mavericks in the pool, his narrative serves as an example, not only for his athletic ability, but also for his resilience and flexibility.
From Stockholm’s frigid winters to Omaha’s midwestern charm, he’s demonstrated that home is where the water is, and success follows where he swims.