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By Michael Cruz

Chaminade University Sports Event Manager/Special Assistant to the Athletic Director Marvin Mendoza. (photo courtesy of Arial Pilcher)

I just learned about this young man recently. He got his foot in the door with the Chaminade University Silverswords Athletic Staff and is now the Event Manager/Special Assistant to the Athletic Director. We caught up with the former FD athlete, Matao team member, and former Silversword Soccer Alum.

GSPN: Congratulations Marvin on your new position with Chaminade University. How did this opportunity become available?

Marvin – Before I was employed by Chaminade University, I was volunteering my service to their Athletics Department by creating their promotional splash pages for certain games and events for the athletics website. Two years later, the position that I am in now was available due to a promotion within the department. I am currently the Event Manager/Special Assistant to the Athletic Director.

GSPN: Describe a typical day for you on the job?

Marvin – During non-game days, we have office hours from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Since Chaminade University started classes on Monday, August 26, I’ve been busy with interviewing and hiring student-workers for our athletic events and the university’s fitness center, also known as the Carlson Fitness Center. On game days at Chaminade, what I would do, along with my staff of student-workers, is the set-up equipment for the teams, officials and spectators. After set-up, I will assign my student-workers to their designated post, such as admissions, crowd control, stats, etc. When the match officially starts, I am the designated on-site administrator for officials and the teams, making sure the event runs smoothly. After the match, my staff of student-workers and myself would break down the equipment and get ready for the next home game.

Marvin talks with Chaminade women’s volleyball coach, Kahala Kabalis, after a volleyball game. (photo courtesy of Arial Pilcher)

GSPN – What are your goals in your career field?

Marvin – My main goal is to give back to the community and make a difference. Chaminade University has given me the opportunity to play the sport I love while receiving a high quality education. Plus, it didn’t hurt that I was able to play collegiate soccer at the Division II level. No matter what position I am in, as long as I can make a difference, that’s all that matters.

GSPN – Are you still active playing soccer?

Marvin – Unfortunately, I am not. With my current work schedule, I haven’t found the time to be playing actively on a team.

GSPN – What do you think of the rise of Guam Men’s National Soccer (known as Matao)?

Marvin – I’m excited with the direction that the Matao is going. Whether it be rising through the ranks of FIFA, staying competitive with every opponent they play, grooming and finding the quality players that are needed to put Guam football on the map. I’m glad and thankful that I had the opportunity to put on that Guam jersey and play along with my teammates to represent our island, our HOME.

GSPN – What was your biggest sports accomplishment in high school and college?

Marvin– In high school, I attended Father Duenas Memorial School. My biggest accomplishments in high school would be winning the IIAAG Boy’s Soccer Championship my senior year and winning our semi-final match in football against Simon Sanchez. But, none of these accomplishments would have happened if it didn’t have my FD Brothers work as hard as I did.

Marvin Mendoza was a speedy running back for the Friars. (courtesy photo)

In college, my biggest accomplishment would be my freshman year at Chaminade University. Even though we didn’t have a winning record, we did our best to stay competitive. I scored a couple of goals throughout the season; was named co-captain of the team; and at the end of the season, I was named 2nd team PacWest All-Conference.

GSPN – Any advice for our high school athletes on Guam?

Marvin – I know that the high school athletes on Guam have the skills to make an impact on a NCAA Division I and II team. My advice would be to figure out a goal on what you want to do after graduating from high school, and work towards that goal. Whether it be training hard for your sport, or studying hard for your class grades, the skills and experience you learn along the way is priceless. You just never know when an opportunity will present itself to you. Will you be ready?

You can check out Marvin’s full Chaminade profile here: http://www.goswords.com/staff.aspx?staff=103

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