Gotham Candidate Forum: Division 9
Players in Division 9 will be voting from December 11th, 2024, through 11:59 PM on December 15th, 2024, to elect captains for the Spring 2025 Division Play Season as well as Team All Stars for the Fall 2024 Division Play Season. If you play in Division 9 and have not received a ballot after 2 PM on December 11th, please e-mail [email protected].
Below, please find the candidate profile of the candidates for Division 9 Captain:
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- Barbara Waginski–Hey Gotham! I’m excited to be running for captain in Division 9 for the Spring 2025 season! Gotham is such a unique and special community, and I’d love the chance to give back by helping guide and support a fantastic team. I’ve had the joy of being a captain in both D11 and D10, and it’s been an amazing experience to see players grow and thrive throughout the season. If I’m lucky enough to be elected, I’ll do everything I can to keep nurturing the spirit of what makes Gotham and D9 so awesome. Let’s make this season unforgettable!
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- Aniru Thomas–Unlimited Together, we’re unlimited Together we’ll be the greatest team there’s ever been Glinda, dreams the way we planned ’em If we work in tandem There’s no fight we cannot win Just you and I, defying gravity With you and I defying gravity They’ll never bring us down Well, are you coming? 🧹 Aaaahh-ahh-AHHHHH!!!! 🧹
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- Jeffrey Yao–Hi D9! I had so much fun with so many of you this season. Those I didn’t get to meet, I hope to meet next season, which is why I love Gotham. So many great people and a great community. I enjoy helping to keep if not grow that sense of camaraderie and welcome that has been such a gift to me. In a similar way, I love the game of volleyball and can’t wait to get on the court every week. As captain, looking to keep the game fun and challenging for all of us whether in practice or competition.
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- Alex Zhaz— Hi all, Thank you for considering me as a Spring 2025 captain. I had so much fun being a captain this past season. I have developed amazing bonds and skills in not just the game but in leadership as well. I always enjoy bringing people together and creating new friendships, and I hope to be able to continue to do that. As your team captain, my top priority is to build a supportive, friendly, and positive environment. Can’t wait to see everyone at the tournament. Let’s have fun. Thank you, Alex
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- Dalton Baker–Hi Gotham my name is Dalton! I have been in division 9 for two seasons now and was a captain in 10. As captain my team won silver for the season and bronze in the tournament. If I were to be nominated as captain again I want to continue improving on our skills as players while also fostering a sense of community in Gotham. I’ve always said it is important to have fun through good play, it’s not always about winning if we have great points but it is just as important that everyone feels welcome and supported while they are part of Gotham. Looking forward to another amazing season!
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- Paul Reeping–I put my all into Gotham—and I really love D9 and everyone in it. My captaining philosophy is that community and fun comes first—which I strongly believe leads to a winning team. I would be honored to be able to represent D9 again, and continue with the friendships and relationships that I am so grateful for.
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- Amy Santiago–I am seeking to serve as Division 9 Captain again because I am passionate about fostering community through volleyball, aligning with Gotham’s mission. As Captain, I have focused on building a family-like atmosphere within my teams, celebrating diversity, and ensuring every player feels supported. I take pride in creating meaningful connections that strengthen the division both on and off the court. My leadership experience and commitment to inclusivity make me eager to continue contributing to the positive, welcoming environment that makes Division 9 special. I am dedicated to helping our community thrive and grow through shared passion and teamwork.
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- Mateo Onori–Hey y’all! I’m Mateo Onori, and I’d be thrilled to earn your vote for D9 captain for the Spring 2025 season! I’ve been part of Gotham since 2014, and I absolutely love everything this organization brings to our community. Previously, I served as D10 captain for Spring 2024 and was honored to be elected again for Fall 2024—until I had the amazing opportunity to step up into D9. What sets me apart as a captain? I’m organized, positive, caring, a great listener, highly motivated, and passionate about bringing people together. If elected as your D9 captain, I’ll build a team that’s not only fierce on the court but also bonded and thriving off the court. Let’s make this season unforgettable! Thank you for your support—I’ll see you out there! Xoxo, Mateo
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- Kevin Park–My first season as captain was an incredible experience, and I’d love the opportunity give back to D9 again! It was great getting to know everyone, and I learned so much from my team, the division, and my fellow captains. You could say that this season changed me… for good 🩷💚🤭 Getting to bring people together for a team was super rewarding, and I’d love to apply all that I learned this season to help us have an even better season next spring. As captain, I’ll always be committed to making sure both my team and D9 is fun, inclusive, and welcoming. P.S. Shoutouts to the other captains this season for being such a supportive and awesome group! ❤️
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- Vadim Mathys–Love Gotham, love winning even more, and love having a great time the most. With focus, energy, and leadership, I’ll make sure we give it our all and have fun while doing it. xoxo, Vadim
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- Steven/Sandi Woods–Hi everyone! My name is Steven, but I go by Sandi on the court. 🏐 I’m once again asking for your vote. 🗳️ 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.🫂 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. ✨ Let’s make this season one to remember! 💃🏼
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- ALANDY BAUTISTA –I’ve always believed that as a captain, I have the power to redefine our volleyball league. When we play volleyball together, the words “TEAM WORK” become more than just a phrase. They become a movement of team spirit, power & will. I want my captainship to be a season with the purpose, from promoting sportsmanship, camaraderie & developing the skills. I’ve been a captain for 11 seasons since Fall 2017. My journey here has taught me to be grateful & to see every situation with the silver lining. It’s my greatest honor to be part of Division 9. To my dearest D9 Family, I’m again running as captain for Spring 2025.
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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 2025 team that is skilled and has an enjoyable season. Along with the other Captains, I would work to ensure that Division 9 remains a open, welcome, social and inclusive place for all.
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- Bill Caruso–Hey! It’s been a great season playing in D9 and I’d appreciate you’re support for captain next season. I’ve been playing with Gotham for about 10 years in divisions 8-10 and have been a captain multiple seasons. I’d love to bring that to D9 this spring. As a captain I strive to keep things light, fun and supportive. See you on the court!
