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GOALKEEPER
HT: 5’1”
WT: 110
Born: 02.12.1990 in Chula Vista, Calif.
Hometown: Bonita, Calif.
College: Southwestern Community College, California
Qualifying Condition: Cerebral Palsy
Classification: CP5
COACH HOFFMAN SAYS:
"One of our most versatile players, JoJo has accepted any opportunity to make himself a better player. Possessing good speed and quickness and an ability to hold the ball under pressure he can contribute as a forward. Over the past year he has been able to learn to play in the goal, characterized by his athleticism and work rate. Constantly training JoJo realizes what it takes to compete on the international level from a personal development stand point."
Q & A with JOJO
When did you first begin playing soccer? I began playing soccer when I was 7 at the Chula Vista Boys & Girls Club.
How did you join the U.S. Paralympic Team? I joined through a clinic held at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center. Also, in Carson, California was my first ever try-out for the U.S. Team.
What is your most memorable moment with the team? When I scrimmaged with the U.S. Women's National Team in Carson, Calif. And when I was accepted onto the Paralympic team.
Who was your first soccer coach? When I was about 7 yrs old I played at the Boys & Girls Club. I can't remember the coach's name but he was cool. It was where I earned the nickname "the speeding bullet."
What do you feel is your strength as a player? I work very well with my hands.
What do you feel is your weakness as a player? Goal kicks / kicking power / communication.
Which professional or international soccer player is your role model? Landon Donovan (La Galaxy / U.S Men's National Team)
What have you learned about yourself from your time with the team? It has been a major privilege to be a member and to represent this nation. I realize with my disability (CP) it is a challenge and true struggle. Giving my best effort and having a positive attitude at all times is the golden rule for me. I can see myself improving each time I perform on the field.
What would you tell a young player to motivate them to play the game of soccer? I would ask the young player to join me for an afternoon day at the park and bring a soccer ball and start kicking back and forth. I would also make the day fun and enjoyable by inviting some of his/her friends to play a small game of soccer. I would tell him/her that there is so much you can do outside besides just kicking a soccer ball. It builds up confidence and hope in themselves. If they are inspired by me and want to follow my path and success as a soccer player, then that is true motivation.
How has playing with the team positively affected your life? Being on the U.S. Paralympic soccer team has given me hope and faith. Becoming positive and believing in myself has greatly improved since I've joined. I'm able to speak up for myself louder and stronger. I'm very proud of myself for not giving up which has led me to represent the USA.
Which college are you attending, or graduated, if any? Currently a student at Southwestern Community College. Graduated from 5th Avenue Academy (private school) and Bonita Vista High School. My junior high and high school education came from 5th Avenue Academy where I attended for 6 years.
What is your area of study, or which major, or degree did you obtain? I would like to study sports medicine / physical exercise.
Since the team is not a full-time job, what do you do full-time? I attend school. I live with both parents. I enjoy self-advocating and becoming a role model to students with any type disabilities throughout the community and on campus.
What is your goal in life? What dreams do you have? What do you want to attain in life? My goal in life is to become a well known educated person. Without education, there is no hope for any of our future. I want to be the first and only sibling in my family to obtain a Master's Degree. A Doctorial degree maybe? I want to become the very best at what I can do at my age and my ability. My dream is one day competing at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. I wish to win a gold medal as well. My dreams are much like Martin Luther King, for all of mankind with abilities to be treated as equal individuals. I dream that one day, in my future I get the chance to witness the first Latino-American President. Running for office is another fantasy I d like to turn into reality in my future. I wish to become a nationwide activist and leader to fight continuously for the rights of the American people with disabilities around this nation.
Which person has been the most influential and motivational in your life? My mom, because she has been there for me when I needed her the most. She has shown me the way of living and preparation for my future. She has been not only my mother, but my best friend. She has given me strength, hope, faith, and love, and the ability to strive beyond my limitations through life. She is my most dedicated fan and my motivation to succeed in my career.
Who is(are) your role model(s) outside of soccer? My mom and my family.
What are some obstacles you've encountered in your life and how did you overcome them? I have had multiple knee operations (corrective surgery on both knees). I've been able to overcome re-learning how to walk at least 5 times through physical therapy.
Can you share a little bit about your family? Brothers, sisters? In my family I have two older sisters, and an older brother: Lisa Chavez, Dena Chavez and Rudy Chavez. John and Vickie Chavez sre my parents. I am the youngest child in the family.
Of all the places you have traveled or lived, where is your favorite place? San Diego, California (home).
If you could turn back time and change one decision in your past, what would it be? Actually I would like to go back to senior year, the time where senior scholarships were being offered. I would respond to each and every one that applied to me — easy money for my college education. Everything has been totally regretless and I'm very proud of my past decisions which have led me here.
If we were casting the movie of your life, which actor would you pick to play you? Denzel Washington.
If you could have one superhero power, what would it be? Predicting the future seems pretty much right for me. Knowing the winning numbers for the lottery would make my life a remarkable one to live and to have.
Do you play any musical instruments? Piano & Guitar. I do love to sing.
If you had to choose only ten CDs to listen to for the next three years, what would they be? I love country music: Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Big & Rich, and Johnny Cash.
What would you tell someone so that they had a better understanding of your disability and what it means to you? I have cerebral palsy and I was diagnosed since birth. My CP is located in my lower body. My knees fatigue and tire more quickly and more often than others. My motion is very tight and limited. The type of CP I have is called spastic diplegia.
What is your favorite quotation? "Dream as you'll live forever, Live as if you'll die today."
Of which accomplishments in your life (excluding soccer) are you most proud? I'm most proud of the success in my education. I've attended college while still in my junior year in high school. My first official year as a college student and becoming an on-campus club organization president for students with disabilities has never taken place before in history. I'm the youngest club president ever to be elected at the age of 18 and re-elected again at age 19.
Please share anything else about yourself that wasn't covered above. Before I was introduced to U.S. Paralympic soccer, for four consecutive years I was involved in wheelchair sports. Later promoted to varsity wheelchair basketball where I traveled nationwide with the team San Diego Hammer. I like to surf, swim, Jet Ski, water ski, rock climb, play tennis, I like roller coasters, dancing, going to the desert, riding ATV quads and dirt bikes. My favorite subject is math. One of my favorite hobbies is collecting Nike sunglasses.