Gotham Candidate Forum: Division 10
Players in Division 10 will be voting from May 8th, 2024 through 11:59 PM on May 12th, 2024 to elect captains for the Fall 2024 Division Play Season as well as Team All Stars for the Spring 2024 Division Play Season. If you play in Division 10 and have not received a ballot after 1 PM on May 8th, please e-mail [email protected].
Below, please find the candidate profile of the candidates for Division 10 Captain:
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- John Rafael Perez–My favorite thing about Gotham is that what you learn on the court translates off the court. Since I’ve joined, I’ve become braver, more confident, more resilient, and happier, and I owe that to all the people who saw potential in me, encouraged me, and were willing to take chances on me. I want to run for captain to pay it forward and to give others the same opportunities to discover what they are actually capable of. I would love for people to walk away from a season having really surprised themselves and wondering what more they’ve been hiding!
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- Josue Avendano Reyes–Having been a part of Gotham Volleyball for nearly five years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact our community has in fostering belonging and friendship through volleyball. As someone who deeply values inclusivity and teamwork, I am eager to serve as captain. My goal is to cultivate an environment where every player, both within our team and the broader league, feels valued and empowered. My collaborative spirit and a deep understanding of our community’s strengths, I am committed to helping us all thrive together, on and off the court.
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- PABLO MADRIZ–¡Hola guap@s! As a gay Mexican immigrant in NYC, I understand firsthand the importance of inclusivity. That is why as your Captain I will continue to ensure that D10 is welcoming and inclusive to all, and look forward to using my energy and enthusiasm as well as my ability to listen to others’ ideas and concerns, to create a space where our various backgrounds, experiences and aspirations are celebrated. I also hope to work with other Captains to facilitate intra- and interdivisional socials to build community across Gotham. And, I hope to be your biggest cheerleader! =) Gracias.
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- Jery Valencia–I’m seeking an opportunity to build a diverse, fun, and competitive team that champions teamwork, sportsmanship, and growth. As a Gotham member for three seasons, I had an opportunity to serve as a captain for one season and had the privilege of leading and supporting a dedicated team that produced multiple medals. Vote for me…or not. I still love you. 😛
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- Jon Chin Cheong–Hi Hi Everyone!! After two seasons in Gotham I have had a blast playing volleyball and meeting some awesome people. I’m hoping as a D10 captain to keep fostering and supporting the inclusive community and welcoming nature of the division as well as playing some very slafyul volleyball! See y’all on the court.
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- Harris Mendez–I would love the opportunity to become a D10 captain next season and build a loving, encouraging, competitive and supportive team that shares teamwork, sportsmanship and skills which leads to amazing victories. Yes the goal is to win, but at the same time to have fun and share wonderful memories in D10 and Gotham next season.hot
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- Rennel Flores–Being a first time captain is really a big achievement as a person/player. I am the captain of Smashing Divas 2.0 for the Spring Season. I wish to continue to promote a diverse, fun and loving team. Hope you will give me another chance next season.
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- Jason (Jase) Adoniz–I enjoy the sport of volleyball and have been playing for many years. I consider myself a team player as well as a good leader and listener. I’m good at rallying large and small groups of people (teacher here.) Most importantly I enjoy having fun and bringing people together.
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- Mitt Schwartz–I joined Gotham during the first post-Covid season in search of a larger queer community in NYC and have found some of my closest friends. I truly believe in Gotham’s “community first” approach and think that D10 should be focused on improving skill levels in an affirming and welcoming environment. Being a captain in D10 will allow me to lead a team that improves every week, meshes on the court, and has fun together outside the gym. Whether elected captain or not, I look forward to playing with everyone again in the fall!
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- Fabio Del Carlo–After 6 seasons in Gotham, I’ve been lucky to experience a journey of growth, not just as a player, but as a leader and a teammate. The sense of belonging I’ve found within this community has been nothing short of transformative, inspiring me to lift others up along the way. As a first-time captain this past season, my goal was simple: to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their best selves. I can promise that you will be a stronger player and competitor on the court by the end of the season, but the memories and bonds formed outside of the court will endure long after our final set. I look forward to another season in D10 and hope I can count on your vote!
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- Bill Caruso–I have served as a captain in other divisions for multiple seasons. I’ve always enjoyed bringing together a diverse group of people for a fun season. After an amazing season back in D10, I’m excited to continue to bring a competitive level of play in a positive and supportive environment.
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- Mateo Onori–Hey y’all!!!! For those of you who do not know me, my name is Mateo Onori and I am running for D10 Captain for the Fall 2024 season!!! This will be my second season running for captain for Gotham and I have been captain over 6 times in my overall volleyball career! I am so excited for the opportunity to lead another team in yet another fabulous season of Gotham Volleyball! What makes me a fabulous captain is my radical optimism, extraordinary communications skills, ability to curate not only a team name, but outfits and cheers to go with it, and finally my yearning to make everyone in our division to feel welcome, seen, and heard! I have been in Gotham on and off since 2014 and it is such an honor to hold the position of captain and I would love the consideration to do it again! If you want this Jersey Shore Beach Babe with cheers and energy for days, months, and years to be your captain, vote for me please! Thank you again for your consideration and I look forward to this Fall 2024 season! XOXO Mateo
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- Alan Jean–Being in Gotham has been one of the best experiences of my life and I want to contribute and help make the organization stronger and share such a positive experience anyway I can. I want to foster a warm and welcoming environment for all. As a leader at my place of employment I feel like I can translate those skills into being a captain for the Fall season!
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- DAVID TABUZO–For those who do not know me yet, I am DAVID TABUZO, or DYAN as others call me. I have been in Gotham since 2016 and have played in several Divisions from Div 7 to D 11 and found Div 10 as my home. If I would be lucky enough to be elected, I will choose players solely on their skills. This is to give emphasis on the TRUE ESSENCE of a TRYOUT. I would like other divisions to see our players as competitive as they are. If we have the same goal, please include me in your vote, and trust that we will have a more competitive, successful and fun season ahead of us.
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- Peter Englert–Hey y’all, I’d love to serve as captain again next season as I actually enjoy coordinating a team, to have fun together both on and off the court. If you’ve met me at Post-Play, you’ll probably remember I tend to lose my voice from cheering each week. A clever team name and fun cheers are always part of the arsenal. And while winning is exciting, getting to know so many of you throughout the division is what I really look forward to each season. I’d appreciate your consideration for captain – See you on the court!
