Through the
Varsity S Club Spotlight we'll re-connect with student-athletes of the past. This series will illustrate the impact that a Sonoma State University education has on student-athletes and highlights the impact they are now having in their communities.
MICHAEL YORK
What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete?
There are two games that come to mind, although I can't recall a lot of specific moments I remember the feelings associated with those games. Scoring a hat-trick in a 6-2 win against league leading UC Davis and how everything just came together. Scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Chico State who were ranked 10th in the nation at the time. I remember how happy all the guys were at the time. We definitely celebrated that night.
Being a 4 year starter (60 something games) and scoring 15 goals over my career are memorable accomplishments as well. Not many people can say they started every game they played and scoring goals did not come easy. What I remember most, is all of the teammates I had over my 4 years because my first year at SSU was our first year in Division II and it was very competitive. All of the guys who came through in the early years worked so hard to prove themselves and be competitive on the field with the transition to DII. I know that everyone we played knew SSU was going to be a tough game and gave us their best. We helped build the foundation for all the other guys to follow.
How do you think you changed as a person, from freshman to senior year?
Coming from San Ramon in the east bay everything was so new and different when I arrived at SSU, the area, school, soccer. The first day of training was a 3 mile run and I remember thinking if I want to prove myself I better keep up. I was one of the new guys so I tended to be quiet and wanted to fit in. As a teammate I tried to play the game simply and not be flashy and show that I could contribute. By the time my Senior year was here school and soccer were less intimidating and I became more confident and outgoing on and off the field. I tried to be more of a vocal leader, not that anybody was listening but I tried.
If you could give advice to a freshman student-athlete today, what would it be?
Be confident in yourself and your abilities to play and don't be afraid to make mistakes. There is a reason why you have been asked to play at the college level. The great coaches at SSU will see your potential, so don't play to not make a mistake. I see too many kids thinking they aren't good enough and end up giving up. Don't give up and regret it later on of what might have been. The time goes fast so make the most of it. Keep up with your school and get that degree.
What are you up to these days? (Job, Family, etc.)
Have made Sacramento my home since 1987 where I have been working as a City Planner for the City of Sacramento for the last 18 years. Married to my wife Judy of 15 years with a son Alex (13). I also have a 25 year old son(Cameron) from a previous marriage who happens to be the son of another former student-athlete (Stacy Winchester, volleyball 84-85). Sad but Stacy has passed away (2005). I am fortunate to have been able to keep playing at a high level since my college days, squeezing out a year of pro indoor at age 34, a semi-pro indoor championship a few years later. Numerous men's open tournaments throughout the state and country including a men's over 50 tourney in Arizona later this year with fellow soccer alum Charles Bailey, 83-85. I Just can't seem to give up the game. Have also done a ton of coaching along the way since graduating college from youth, high school, JC, to being a part of the new pro team in Sacramento.
How did Sonoma State University help prepare you for your career?
I understood how important that college degree was at the time. A knee injury with 5 games left in my senior year was a realization of how quickly college just ended for me. I was on crutches my entire last semester (spring 87) knowing after graduation the real world was waiting. SSU prepared me with the people skills to be confident, the knowledge and abilities to make it on my own. My degree in Geography was important in providing me the foundation that led to my current career as a City Planner. Living in the dorms you grow up with other people your own age and from different places you learn everyday life skills. I also gained some long lasting friendships along the way.
ABOUT THE VARSITY S CLUB
The Varsity S Club is an exclusive group of past and present Sonoma State University student-athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, athletic trainers, and administrators formed for the purpose of building enthusiasm for Sonoma State University Athletics. The Varsity S Club does this through a variety of philanthropic, fundraising, and social events designed to strengthen SSU Athletics. Membership in the Varsity S Club is open to any individual who has competed in varsity athletics at Sonoma State University, as well as any past member of the cheer team, athletic training, or administrative staff. Sign up here:
Varsity S Club.
See past Varsity S Club Spotlight features here:
Varsity S Club Spotlight Archive.
