Nick Gross
TEAM Marianas’s overall performance at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau was truly one for the books — collecting 31 medals (10 gold, 8 silver, and 13 bronze), setting new national records, and showcasing the potential of the small island community. Chef de Mission Nick Gross witnessed firsthand what the team was capable of during the week-and-a-half-long sporting event.
“In attempting to identify a specific moment or competition, I struggle, as every day was filled with incredible performances, grit, and emotion!” said Gross in an interview with Variety. He noted that Team Marianas never dropped lower than sixth place in the overall medal count and finished as the top-performing Micronesian team.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment, and I couldn’t be prouder of their performances — not to mention the number of national records that were broken!” Gross added.
As the Games drew to a close, all chef de missions were asked to vote for categories such as Athletes of the Games, Youth of the Games, and Teams of the Games. While Team Marianas had many standout moments across various sports, including swimming and wrestling, Gross singled out the 3×3 basketball tournament as one of the most impressive.
“Although we experienced incredible success in the pool with our swim team and on the mats with our untested wrestlers, I have to say that the 3×3 basketball tournament was a major highlight,” Gross said. “Although our boys’ team didn’t make it to the medal round, our ladies were absolutely ferocious! Their bronze-medal performance — and all their games leading up to it — earned them ‘Team of the Games’ in my book!”
Reflecting on his second tour as the team’s chef de mission, Gross shared, “I couldn’t be more pleased…and worn out. The opportunity to lead the NMI’s sporting movement in these Pacific Games is certainly one of my career highlights. It ties together all the work we collectively do throughout the year to improve access to and the delivery of sport for the tao tao Marianas.”
He added, “Discussions with sport leaders from across Oceania and the sharing of best practices in our field has been incredibly rewarding. It feels like the best possible form of professional development I can get. Thanks to so many for the hard work and dedication. Biba NMI!”
Although Gross didn’t compete on the field, he didn’t leave the Mini Games empty-handed. He was honored with the Most Outstanding Administrator award of the 12th Pacific Mini Games, as adjudged by the Pacific Games Council.
“This award was a big surprise to me!” Gross said. “That said, being selected by the Pacific Games Council is a vote of confidence from one of the highest pillars of sport in our region. I cherish this award, as it reminds me of the struggle and advocacy required to support such a large delegation in their pursuit of medals, records, and personal bests.”
Though the award was presented to him, Gross emphasized that he shares it with the entire Team NMI management — especially Roselyn Monroyo, executive assistant to the NMSA president, and Lalaine “Irish” Pagarao, Team NMI’s safeguarding officer and deputy chef de mission — for their behind-the-scenes efforts.
“Finally, I owe so much thanks to my wife and children for allowing me to do the work I love — so far from home,” Gross said.
