“Senior Day is sort of like Graduation Day. To me it represents knowing I did it and all the struggles that my parents have gone through to help me achieve my dreams,” says Guevara, a redshirt senior who has 36 goals and 12 assists for 84 points in 67 games. “They have put in a lot of work for me to be able to have the life I have. This is going to be like a symbol of my appreciation of everything they have done for me.”
Guevara, in turn, has given back. To his fans and friends. To his teammates and coaches. To his parents and his sister, Waleska, who was born with a rare brain disorder which affected her ability to learn.
It was Waleska's condition that inspired her older brother to pursue a career helping others. Guevara's mother, Claudia, invited her son during his freshman year in college to attend an Occupational Therapy session for Waleska. He watched in amazement at how therapists, in a playground setting, worked with his little sister, then nine years old.
“I could see it was helping her and I became interested in helping others,” Guevara says. “I can help her and I can help others. I like helping people.”
Guevara, who intended to walk on at an NCAA Division I program, happened to play club soccer for Jonathan Delano. At the time, Delano was the women's soccer coach but knew that Dominican could be the perfect match for Guevara and pointed him in that direction. Playing at the University offered the chance to reunite and play with several former club soccer teammates for a program that was transitioning from the NAIA to the NCAA in 2009.
“I never thought I would have to face this day. I have been coaching Pedro since he was fourteen years old. Whether it was club, high school, or college, Pedro and I have been side by side for a long time,” says Delano. I couldn't be more proud of Pedro. Watching him mature as a player and as a person has been extremely rewarding.”
Things were going smoothly for Guevara, who had made a home for himself at Dominican. Then, after being named the Preseason Player of the Year in the Pacific West Conference last season, a knee injury forced him to take a medical redshirt season. Having to redshirt the entire 2011 season meant that he could only watch soccer from the sideline.
“It was tough not having Pedro last season, but I think that experience has made him a stronger person” says Delano.
It's gotten better. Coming back this season in his words “more competitive and hungrier,” Guevara scored eight goals in the Penguins' first six games this season, leading Dominican to a 5-1 record, its best start since 1996.
This season has justified Guevara's decision to play soccer at Dominican.
“I did want to play D-I but, in hind sight, D-II was definitely a better fit for me,” the 5-foot-5, 140-pound Guevara says. “Dominican was a better choice for me and I am happy with my choice.”
In more ways than one. Studying Psychology has proven to be a good fit for Guevara, too.
“I'm more into health and science and the body and the mind,” he says. “It worked out on both ends in soccer and school. I love this school. The teachers are awesome. You get to know them and they get to know you. It's a great learning environment.”
In the end, goals will be reached. Guevara, in May, will be the first in his family to graduate from a four-year college. Senior Day on Saturday is a prelude to an even bigger day: Commencement.
“I'm proud of Dominican and the person that it has helped me become,” says Guevara. “I came in here when I was 18 years old not knowing what to expect. My family didn't know what to expect. I've matured. I've grown with the experience. It was such a great opportunity to come to college and make my family proud, knowing that they are supporting me. It's been a blessing.”
