James G. ’23 Competes on Guam Men’s National Soccer Team

Poly is thrilled to announce that James G. ’23 will represent the Guam Men’s National Soccer Team (Matao) in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Men’s Asian Cup 2023, held in Bahrain this October.  Guam will be playing against Cambodia in two matches. James began playing soccer at three years old for local leagues and currently plays on Poly’s varsity team. 

“My dream for soccer was playing for Guam’s Men’s National Team,” James shared. “My mom was born and raised on Guam, and we go back every summer.  The summer before my freshman year, I trained with Guam’s U16 National Team and was fortunate enough to be invited to play on the Men’s U16 team at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U16 Championship 2020 Qualifiers in Singapore, where we played North Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong.” 

The North Korea game was especially momentous because North Korea had recently threatened to attack Guam. “There was tension before we played, but once the whistle sounded, it was all good,” he said.  

This past summer, James played on Guam’s U20 National Team in a friendly against the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, and was then called up to the Men’s National Team for the upcoming games against Cambodia. James shared that he is the youngest player on the Men’s National Team, as many of his fellow teammates have played all over the world and have families and children. He said that playing with players like this is the highlight of the trip. 

Though the players in practices and games speak predominantly English, James said that the team pays homage to the native people of Guam, the Chamorro, who were present before the island territory was colonized. Before every game, the players and coaches join for a Chamorro chant that signifies home even when they are away. Many of the players identify as Chamorro as well. 

James is also a talented ceramic artist, whose work has been featured in the American Museum of Ceramic Arts (AMOCA). “When I do ceramics, it is a very meditative experience and calming. It helps when I’m out on the field in tough situations and need to be calm and composed. The focus you need when throwing on a wheel complements soccer because it helps with the mental part of the game.”

James would like to thank Coaches Beerman, Sheridan, and Marion for giving him the opportunity to play soccer and develop into the player that he is today. He is grateful to Poly for allowing him to represent the Guam Men’s National Team. We look forward to cheering on James as he competes in Bahrain!
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