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.
CRYSTAL CHAIDEZ (HOWARD)
- A four-year starter for the Sonoma State Women's Soccer Team, from 2001 to 2004, Crystal is the only student-athlete in school history (men or women) to lead her team in scoring all four years. The school's all-time leader with 30 assists, she was a four-time All-CCAA selection (three times on the First Team), as well as a three-time All-West Region pick. She graduated from Sonoma State University in 2005 with a degree in Kinesiology and earned her Master's Degree, also from SSU, in 2015. Crystal is currently the head coach of the women's soccer team at Santa Rosa Junior College. Learn more about the Bear Cubs here.
What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete?
Playing home games in front of my family and friends and representing the school and soccer program I grew up watching and looking up to.
How do you think you changed as a person during your time at Sonoma State?
I grew as a student, soccer player and matured as a young adult. My time in the Kinesiology department was awesome. I enjoyed being educated by the professors on how to be a great teacher and coach. Ellen Carlton was my advisor through my undergraduate work and into my masters program. She was a great mentor and very passionate and knowledgeable about coaching and teaching.
If you could give advice to a freshman student-athlete today, what would it be?
To enjoy your time being a student-athlete at Sonoma State. It goes by fast and if I had the opportunity to do it all again, I would do it without hesitation. Take pride in representing your program and college. Don't take it for granted and make the most of your opportunities.
What are you up to these days?
Today, I am the head coach of the women's soccer program at Santa Rosa Junior College. I also coach club soccer for Santa Rosa United Soccer Club with my husband Kelcey, who is a director at the club. I have two active young boys, Kace (5) and Kord (1.5). We reside in Santa Rosa with most of my family.
How did Sonoma State University help prepare you for your career?
Sonoma State started my passion for teaching and coaching. It gave me the knowledge and confidence to be the best coach and teacher to young, inspiring students and student-athletes. I was able to obtain life long friends, play the sport I love at the collegiate level and receive an awesome education, along with developing the tools to give back to the community, schools and programs that helped mold me into the person and coach/teacher I am today.
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.
