SWC News Center

Pursuing Greatness, One Class At A Time

By: Stephanie Kingston - June 27, 2026

Most Southwestern College students spend their days moving between lectures, study sessions, and part-time jobs.

Victor Aguilar spends his time preparing to represent the United States.

The 19-year-old kinesiology student and San Diego native is a member of the U.S. Men's National Kickboxing Team and one of the country's most accomplished amateur fighters. He has competed in more than 100 bouts, won more than two dozen championship titles, and traveled around the world facing elite competition.

Then he comes home and heads to class at the Chula Vista campus.

"It's a full-time job," Aguilar said of balancing school and athletics. "Everything comes down to discipline."

Discipline has been a constant in Aguilar's life since he first stepped into a martial arts gym. He started karate at age three and quickly became a passion. His father encouraged that drive and helped shape the path that would eventually take him to national teams, international tournaments, and championship podiums.

Today, Aguilar trains six to seven hours a day while pursuing his degree at Southwestern College.

The schedule leaves little room for anything else.

"There isn't much hanging out with friends and goofing around," he said. "You have to stay focused." 

The commitment has paid off.

Aguilar captured the WAKO K-1 National Championship in 2022-2025 and has earned medals at some of the sport's highest levels, including a silver medal at the WAKO Youth World Championships. In addition, he has won three United States Muay Thai Open Muay Thai Nationals A Class Championships and represented the United States multiple times in international competition.

His fight career has taken him across Canada, Mexico, Thailand, South America and Europe. Each trip brought new opponents, new challenges, and another chance to represent the United States. Yet for all the travel and accolades, Aguilar speaks just as enthusiastically about his future in the classroom.

His goal is to double major and earn a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and sports psychology, combining his passion for athletics with a deeper understanding of performance and human development. For Aguilar, Southwestern College has played an important role in helping him balance his academic and athletic goals.

He points to Biology Professor Dr. Ongkeko as someone who left a lasting impression. Aguilar admired the energy and enthusiasm Ongkeko brought to class and appreciated the support he received when competition or injury occasionally conflicted with coursework.

"He's passionate about what he teaches," Aguilar said. "That makes a difference."

He says that support extends beyond a single classroom. His academic advisor also helped steer this Jaguar journey by encouraging him to study a path Aguilar was interested in and could benefit from in the classroom and the ring.

"I believe people here want to see students improve and succeed."

As Aguilar works toward his professional debut later this year, the demands on his time will only increase. But he is ready for the challenge.

For students pursuing goals that sometimes feel out of reach, Aguilar offers a reminder shaped by years of tenacity and competition."Don't let a loss take you off your path," he said. "Don't let that define who you are.” It's sage advice that applies whether you're stepping into a ring, walking into a classroom, or chasing a dream that takes years to achieve.

For Aguilar, the work continues tomorrow.

There will be another class to attend. Another training session. Another title to chase. And he likes it that way.