Gotham Candidate Forum: Division 9
Players in Division 9 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 9 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 9 Captain:
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Jeffrey Yao–I had a blast being a first time captain this past season with a great team and division. That said, there was more I wanted to do as captain that I didn’t get to and so would love the chance to be captain again. If elected, next season I want to bring even more intra/inter team connection with all you amazing people. Gotham has really made me feel welcome and introduced me to so many wonderful people/friends. I want to help continue that great tradition.
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Eric Eichenholtz–I am running for Captain because I enjoy giving back to the Gotham community by building a team that plays well, has fun, and embraces the wonderfully diverse community that is Gotham Volleyball. I am a veteran Captain with a track record of building teams of level-appropriate volleyball players that have a good experience on and off the Court. If re-elected Captain, I would work hard and use my experience to pick a Spring 2023 team that is skilled and has an enjoyable season. Along with the other Captains and our amazing Division rep Amy, I would work to ensure that Division 9 remains a open, welcome, social and inclusive place for all. I would be honored to have your vote for Captain.
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Amy Santiago–I’m incredibly passionate about being a captain. My primary focus is to bring together a diverse group of players and cultivate a positive team dynamic both on and off the court. I hope that my fellow D9 members will give me the opportunity to serve as captain again.
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ALANDY BAUTISTA –To be a Captain is like carrying a burning torch. It’s an action to carry out by one person to illuminate the spirit of the team. I will dedicate my whole self & my love for the sports. I will use my voice to uplift, empower & educate the players the core values of volleyball such as sportsmanship, skills, teamwork & camaraderie. It will be my greatest honor & duty to hold this torch high enough so that all the players will feel & see its light. To my dearest Division 9 Family, I’m again running as Captain for Spring 2024.
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Paul Kang–I don’t know about you, but my favorite part of the week is spending time with my Gotham volleyball community. This upcoming season, I would love the opportunity to be a captain for D9. Playing in D9 over the past seasons has been wonderful. As a captain, I would be sure to bring fun, positive energy on and off the court, to lead a team that likes to have fun, full of good vibes, and has high energy, which is important to me. I have no doubt I can bring all of that to D9. I am looking forward to a great season of volleyball with everyone!
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Eddy Ones–Sweating. Grunting. Big smiles. Serving looks. No, this isn’t your favorite gay club. This is Eddy’s team and we’re on our way to conquer the season! I will make volleyball feel like a fun Friday night out: filled with lots of joy, short shorts, movement and waking up a little sore the next morning. I believe that on both the court and the dance floor, the key things are a CAN-DO attitude and a YES-AND team. As a medaling captain in D11 I have previously built a winning team, and I want to bring that celebratory energy to D9. With that, let’s sub the tequila shots for a shot at a couple of medals. Don’t worry, you’ll still feel that sweet sting!
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MIKA –#TRANSVisibility #GenderInclusion #BuildingCommunity #SayHerName #ClickHerName #Mika
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Steven Woods–My name is Steven, and I’m applying for the role of D9 captain. I believe that my experience and passion make me the perfect candidate for this position. I’ll strive to lead by example and have the highest level of enthusiasm for our team. My goal is to keep the team morale high and build strong relationships among our players. Like Lady Gaga said, “No matter who you are, you were born to shine,” and I will ensure everyone on our team knows their importance in achieving success. With my alterego Sandi, we can make this season one to remember!
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Steven Ott–Hey Gotham Volleyball crew! I’m Steven, or Stove/Stoven, your friendly appliance enthusiast. With over two fantastic years here, I’m excited to run for D9 captain. I led the D10 team last spring, bringing energy, quirkiness, and a love for Pokemon, Taylor Swift, and goofy dance moves to the court. Now, with that experience, I’m ready to bring the same vibe to D9. Gotham Volleyball is my home, and I’m all about building connections, camaraderie, and positive vibes. Let’s make this D9 season unforgettable, and remember, with Taylor Swift on our side: ‘Karma is the serve you repeat, that never misses a beat.’ Thanks for the support! 👾🏐
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Paul Reeping–Hey Division 9! My time with Gotham and all of you amazing people has been nothing short of incredible. You’ve all given me so much, and I believe it’s time for me to return the favor. That’s why I’m excited to announce my candidacy for team captain this Spring. Having been a captain twice before, my main goal has always been to prioritize fun and foster a sense of community (and, I think as a result, has led to a lot of success on the court!). Those who’ve been on my teams before know I’m all in, pouring heaps of effort and love into creating an environment where everyone feels supported and included. Let’s face it, we joined Gotham to make lasting friendships and be part of something truly special. By choosing me as your captain, I pledge to bring this spirit and energy to the Spring season. I would be deeply honored to have your vote and to lead us into another gay, fun-filled season! 🙂
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Kevin Park–I’ve been super lucky to call D9 home for the past few seasons, and I would love the opportunity to give back as a captain. As captain, I hope to create a welcoming, inclusive, and fun space for my team and make sure that we all enter our top era too 🙂
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Alex Zhaz–Hi all, Thank you for considering me as a Spring 2024 captain. Gotham Volleyball is like a second family to me. I’ve developed amazing bonds and incredible skills in not just the game but in leadership as well. I always enjoyed bringing people together and creating new friendships. As your team captain, my top priority is to build a supportive, friendly, and positive environment. Inclusive community! Thank you, Alex
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Tim O’Keeffe–I am happily running again for Captain of D9 and have been a captain for many years in the past in D10. When picking teams I look to foster current and new friendships amongst my team and strive to make sure everyone has an enjoyable experience/season.
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Christian Vanya–Gotham is such an amazing community that brings a lot of joy to my life here in NYC. There’s always something to do or hangout with. And that’s what makes it so great…The people you meet. I’m a passionate player that loves to win but also enjoy playing the game. I’m natural born leader and would love to serve as a captain in division 9.
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Aniru Thomas–Hey folks! Volleyball brings me so much joy and I’d like to bring together a group of fun, competitive teammates as captain next season. I’ve had a few past seasons as captain and I’d like to be considered next season. 🙂