Andrei Kaithlyn Chavez and her family pose for a group photo during a signing ceremony with Grand Valley State University at Saipan International School on Friday.
Andrei Kaithlyn Chavez smiles with her parents, Jov and Magie, as she signs with Grand Valley State University at Saipan International School on Friday.
SAIPAN International School student Andrei Kaithlyn Chavez experienced a pivotal moment in her life on Friday when she officially signed a full-ride soccer scholarship to play for Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan.
The signing ceremony was held in the SIS conference room in the presence of her parents, Jov and Magie, siblings Julie, Mark and Rio the dog as well as friends, coaches, and teachers.
Chavez received not just one, but five full scholarship offers, including from a cross-country program.
“I chose Grand Valley State because it has one of the top soccer programs and a history of success — they have won championships,” Chavez said.
She also had a meeting with the head coach, who gave her a virtual tour. “The campus is very beautiful, with an indoor field, big gym, and newly renovated lockers. The players were really friendly, and I was able to ask them questions about the campus, which helped me believe that GVSU would be the right fit for me,” Chavez said.
GVSU coaches are approachable and believe they can help her become a better player, she added.
SIS Headmaster Dr. Ron Snyder, in his remarks, said: “This is Kaithlyn’s fourth year with us here [at SIS] and I’m very excited that she’s had five different scholarship offers this year — four for soccer and one for cross-country.”
Snyder added, “She’s such an amazing athlete, overall. She’s been a cornerstone athlete for volleyball, basketball, soccer, cross-country and for track, and has represented the CNMI in cross-country, track-and-field, volleyball, soccer, and basketball events. She has represented the CNMI in multiple sports. We’re very proud to have her. She’s also a very active photographer and our best historian and a great student.”
Northern Mariana Islands Football Association coach Mae Ito also shared a few words.
“I think it’s very obvious that she has a very pleasing and honorable work ethic. I think she is very studious and diligent on and off the pitch. Obviously, she’s a multi-sport athlete, but I think her heart really works well with team sports. I’m very happy and proud to see that, not only the soccer community, but the whole community is behind Kaithlyn and her step towards her dreams,” Ito said.
Balance
Chavez will have her hands full playing in the NCAA Division II level with the GVSU Lakers women’s soccer team.
But “of course, I will have to balance school and soccer. I’m excited to gain more exposure,” she said. “I know I’ll need to work extra hard because the competition in the U.S. will be much tougher. I’ll need to spend time on the gym and do self-training while also making the most of this opportunity.”
Chavez will be heading to Michigan in July 2025 for preseason soccer.
Discipline
“Soccer has shaped me into the person I am today,” she said. A lot of people may see soccer as just a sport but, it is much more than that, she added. Soccer has allowed her to travel to different places, meet the people she now calls her best friends, and shape the person she has grown to be. “Soccer teaches you lessons beyond the field, such as time management, discipline and resilience,” Chavez said.
For up-and-coming student athletes who would love to take a similar path, Chavez advises them to “be coachable, work hard, and take care of your body. There will be days when you feel like you don’t want to put in the work, but always remember your end goals and why you’re doing this.”
Chavez added, “Listen to your coaches. There may be times when you think you’re right, but you’ll realize they often know best. You need to be obsessed with improving, no matter how much you’ve already achieved. Also, place a big emphasis on taking care of your body, take that rest day and use it wisely. Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun in the process!”
Thank you
“I started playing soccer when I was five years old, thanks to my mom. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me along the way,” Chavez said.
“To my family, Mom and Dad, thank you for all the early mornings, endless self-training sessions, and for always pushing me to be a better person.
“To my coaches, especially Coach Angie, thank you for watching me grow and for shaping me into the player I am today. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done.
“To my friends Tyana, Iya, Jannah, Tamia and Rizza, thank you for always being my number one supporters. You guys constantly remind me that I’m the best and always tell me that you are proud of me.
“To Mimi and Aubrey, thank you for always being there for me. You’ve stood by me through thick and thin, and whenever I need someone to talk to, you’re there with open arms.
“Mimi, thank you for always staying positive and reminding me that it’s just a bad day, not a bad career, and that I’m still the best player you’ve ever seen.
“Lastly, to the community, thank you for all your support and for believing in me. This one is for you all, and I promise to make you all proud.”
