Gotham Candidate Forum: Division 11
Players in Division 11 will be voting from Dec 13th, 2023 through 11:59 PM on Dec 17th, 2023 to elect captains for the Spring 2024 Division Play Season as well as Team All Stars for the Fall 2023 Division Play Season. If you play in Division 11 and have not received a ballot after 1 PM on Dec 13th, please e-mail [email protected].
Below, please find the candidate profile of the candidates for Division 11 Captain:
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PABLO MADRIZ–¡Hola gente hermosa! I’m running to be your D11 Captain with the hope to bring our division to a whole new level. As a captain I will continue to ensure that D11 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 build a community where our various backgrounds, experiences and aspirations are embraced. I also hope to work with other captains to facilitate an injury prevention workshop early in the season, and to be your biggest cheerleader. Thank you, and PADAM!
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Jason Grobstein–Half the people in this Division don’t know me, and the other half only like me because they think I spiked someone in front of a bus, so that’s not good. Okay but really… being a part of this community has made a meaningful year for me, and the new friendships I’ve formed have played a significant role in my experience. The past two seasons have prepared me to step up and run for captain for the first time. I’m all about creating a team that centers on enjoying the game and growing together. Thanks for thinking about making me your captain!
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Paul Rosenberg–Ever since I joined Gotham I fell in love with the community and sport. Growing up I have played team sports but I never really felt like I was truly a part of the team. Joining Gotham has reintroduced a love for team sports by being around so many supportive people. I would like to be a captain so I can help other players learn to love the sport and the Gotham community.
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Shannon Carter Norris–She’s a little bit silly, a little competitive… but most of all she is committed to Gotham (on and off the court). It would be my honor to serve as D11 captain and share my love of the game, as well as the joy of sportsmanship and community in an official capacity. As captain my primary goal will be to uplift each player on the court, followed by cultivating a team where everyone feels welcome, included, and excited. Gotham has enriched my life in many ways, with your support I’ll be a catalyst in sharing that with others. Spice up your spring, vote for Shannon! 😉
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Alan Jean–I would love the opportunity to serve as captain as a thank you note to Gotham. My first season gave me a safe space where I could be myself and share my love of volleyball with others and I would love to help create such a space for others in the new season. I am organized, dedicated, and give my heart and soul to everything I dedicate myself to. I am a manager in my profession and feel I can transfer those skills successfully.
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Erik Johnson–Captains set the tone for a Division. I was so impressed with the level of play, friendship, and camaraderie in D11 this season that I would welcome the opportunity to continue bringing that energy to the Division. I believe that Division Play should be a mix of fun, improving volleyball skills, and friendly competition. I’ve played in several Divisions and PowerPlay, coached, and served in different leadership roles during my Gotham tenure; what I love most about this league is its sense of community and inclusivity. That’s the mindset I would bring as captain. Cheers!
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Kendall VanAmburg–Hello hello hello! I’m running for captain because I have had such an amazing first season with Gotham! I came into this season with no previous experience in team sports, and having never considered myself an athlete, but the Gotham community has shown me that above all what truly matters is having fun. Everyone I’ve met through Gotham has been incredibly friendly and welcoming, and I’m so thankful for the friendships I’ve made so far. My hope as captain for D11 is to maintain that friendly, welcoming, and, most importantly, fun environment for both new and returning Gotham players!
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Marco Pretell-Vazquez–Hello there! I’m Marco, running to be your next spring captain. Gotham has been instrumental in my volleyball journey, and I’m eager to continue to foster a thriving community here in D11 and beyond!
As captain, I will bring leadership, respect, and teamwork to the court. I understand that a winning team thrives in a supportive environment where every player feels valued — I’m fully committed to making this a reality. Vote for me, and together, let’s make this season the best one yet! 🥇
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Rob Gaetano–Hi it’s Rob, your favorite Aussie (oh naaauuuuur!). The last two seasons as a captain have allowed me to grow as a leader and be a positive role model for my division. Both seasons have been incredibly rewarding and challenging, whilst also being a lot of fun! When I think about being a captain, I’m always reminded of my very first D11 captain who was so welcoming and encouraging of me, and I want to continue to do that for current and new D11 members next season.
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Matthew Wotus–Being a division captain this season was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Being in Gotham has truly changed my life, and in an organization that means so much to me and has given me so much, it was incredibly rewarding to be able to lead my team on the court and help foster friendships and community off the court. It would be an honor to continue to do that next season.