The CSUN men’s soccer team has seven members who are seniors playing in their final season.
They are goalkeepers Kevin Marquez and Joel Luis Juan, defenders Gabe Robinson and Patrick Hickman, midfielders Shane Steffes and Juan Fernando Samayoa and forward Richard Martinez.
The players were asked different questions such as which teammate would they like to be on an island with, what nickname they would give themselves, their favorite game memory and what advice would they give to incoming freshmen on the squad.
What nickname would you give yourself?
Hickman: I don’t have one.
Steffes: White mamba.
Samayoa: Fern
Martinez: Everyone calls me Richie. I wouldn’t say I have another nickname.
Who on the team would you pick if you got stuck on an island with someone?
Hickman:I say Gabe because he’s really strong and big. I think that will be helpful and he’s a funny guy
Steffes: Gabe, because he’s big and strong
Samayoa: Gabe, cause he’s strong.
Martinez: It’s between Shane and Kevin. Shane because that kid laughs at everything, he’s like a jokester. Kevin is the first one to became my friend when I came to CSUN. In the end it would be Kevin.
What advice would you give upcoming freshman?
Hickman: It goes faster than you think, I would say. I’ve been here four and a half years and it went by kind of fast. So take advantage of it and enjoy it. Like every day at practice even if it’s tough, mentally be there. Just to enjoy it cause it’s awesome to be part of a team, you’ll miss it when it comes to an end,” Hickman said.
Steffes: For incoming freshman, I would say take advantage of the time, it goes by really fast. Take advantage of every opportunity you have, do well in school, and cherish the time you are here.
Samayoa: Enjoy the time, it goes by really fast, and be grateful for what you get.
Martinez: Don’t get discouraged if you’re not on the field. Everything is going to pay off if you put in the hard work.
What has been one of your favorite moments that you’ve experienced on the field in the Matadors uniform?
Hickman: At Santa Barbara my freshman year. It was the Big West tournament semi-finals and we won 3-2. Segi scored a hat trick, it was a crazy game.
Steffes: Last year we played against Loyola-Chicago. I scored the game winner in that game.
Samayoa: The Stanford game my freshman year in the NCAA tournament. It was my first time, freshman year, starting, and we made it to the NCAA tournament and playing against Stanford.
Martinez: This past year, it’s been two years where I’ve been fighting for a spot on the field. And I scored the game winner against Air Force, and it was a sure real feeling.
