Throughout the 2020-2021 year, the Aurora University athletic department will highlight the senior student-athletes. The seniors will provide some insight to their time at AU while getting to know them as individuals they have grown into in their time as a Spartan.
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Senior Spotlight: Emmanuel Chaidez (Men's Volleyball)
Major:Â Business Administration
What are your plans after graduation? Pursue MBA right after graduation.
What is your most memorable athletic moment at AU? 5th set comeback vs Benedictine at home.
Other than the sport(s) you play; what other sports activity are you good at? Played soccer growing up through my childhood so I am still decent at the sport.
Outside of sports, what is your favorite hobby or activity? Hiking, enjoying outdoors, working out.
What is your favorite meal in the cafeteria? Chicken Nuggets
What AU faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you and why? Dan Ames, as a coach you expect them mainly to care about athletics and making sure you keep up with academics. Dan is the kind of coach to put all that last, he cares more about your future and what you are doing to set yourself up for success in the future. He cares more about whether or not you are helping yourself or getting the help you need for your life success than a practice or game.
What do you enjoy most and least about practice? I enjoy being able to compete with my teammates and family day in and day out. I least enjoy when Dan's face turns red and the shine on his head goes away.
Do you have any pregame rituals? Meditate.
What advice would you give to underclassmen at AU? Become comfortable with being uncomfortable, also do not be afraid to ask for help.
If you had to listen to one song on repeat forever, what would it be and why? Friday by Rebecca Black, classic song.
What is something that people may not know about you but should? My foot is a size 14/15.
If you could spend an hour each with three people (past or present), who would you choose and why? Kobe Bryant, Lionel Messi and Michael Jordan. I would love to hang out with Messi or Jordan because in my eyes they are the greatest athletes to play their own sport. I would love to hang out with Kobe Bryant because he inspired with his Mamba Mentality before his death.
