Kaithlyn commits to Grand Valley State

From the tropics to the cold, NMI Women’s National Soccer Team player and multi-sport athlete Andrei Kaithlyn Chavez is heading to Grand Valley State University next year to play college soccer on a full-ride scholarship.

The Allendale, Michigan school is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II school. Their women’s soccer team won the NCAA Division II national championship in 2021.

Last Friday, a signing ceremony was held at her high school, Saipan International School, where she is currently a senior. It was attended by her family, coaches, teachers, and close friends and teammates. According to SIS headmaster Dr. Ron Snyder, Chavez is the first Gecko to receive a sports-related scholarship opportunity.

On why she committed to the Lakers, the high school class of 2025 graduate said, “I was actually offered opportunities from various places, including D1, D2, and NAIA schools. However, for me, Grand Valley was the better option. I had a meeting with all the coaches, and they gave me a virtual tour. The campus was beautiful, featuring an indoor field and newly renovated lockers. I also had a meeting with the players, where I was able to ask questions about the school. This experience made me realize that GVSU would be the right fit for me.”

With the opportunity, she said, “I feel blessed because not everyone is able to have this opportunity. I know the competition will be tougher out there, so I will need to work extra hard and dedicate a lot of time to the gym and self-training.”

She then said, “I am truly grateful because, ever since I was young, one of my goals was to sign and commit to a school. I’m forever thankful for my friends, teammates, coaches, and family. A big thank you to everyone who supported me throughout my journey and always believed in me. This achievement is for all of you, and I promise to make you all proud.”

Her parents are Jov and Magie Chavez. Her siblings are Mark and Julie—both of whom are national team soccer players as well.

Her soccer coach through the years, Mae Ito, said in her remarks, “I think it’s very obvious that she has a very pleasing and honorable work ethic throughout. 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.” She added, “I’m very happy and proud to see not only the football community, but the whole community behind Kaithlyn and her step toward her dreams and her goals. All the best of luck and for sure, a lot of successes, and if there are any failures, we’re here to push you.”

As for Snyder, he said, “I’m very excited that she’s had five different scholarship offers this year—four for soccer and one for cross-country. So, she’s an amazing athlete overall. She’s been our cornerstone athlete for volleyball, basketball, soccer, cross country, and track. She’s represented the CNMI in cross-country, soccer, track, and basketball… She’s represented the CNMI in multiple sports, so we’re very proud to have her. She’s also a very active photographer as our class historian, and is a great student. We’re going to miss her but we’re very excited for her and the opportunity that she’s going to have next year in Michigan, embracing the cold.”

After the ceremony, Chavez was gifted a puppy, whom she named Rio. There was also a celebratory cake, with icing in the shape of a soccer ball.

She has been playing soccer since she was 4 years old and has earned numerous achievements and accolades with the national team, her football club Kanoa, and her school team.

She competed in Palestine for the AFC U20 Qualifiers and Thailand for the AFC U17 Qualifiers, where she was able to score in both competitions. Just this summer, she was awarded the most valuable player and Golden Boot for her exceptional performance during the NMIFA Women’s U21 Three Nations Cup.