Former Soccer Stand-out Recalls Fond Memories of Rockford Louis Mateus ’85 hadn’t even visited Rockford University before deciding to attend in the early 1980s, but he had no doubt that it would be a great fit for him. He grew up in Azores, Portugal before his family moved to Massachusetts when he was 16 years old. What made him choose to enroll with blind faith was the university’s soccer team. He was recruited by then soccer coach Paul Banta and appreciated the caring and engaging personalities of all the coaching staff, as well as the caliber of the team. During his time at Rockford University, Mateus kept himself busy by participating in a number of clubs and activities, including the Spanish Club and intramural sports. Coach Banta required the soccer team to get involved in the community through volunteering every week. Mateus fondly recalls volunteering with the Rockford United Soccer Club during this time. Mateus graduated in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in recreation, predecessor to the sports management degree. He said his memories of attending Rockford are plentiful, but what he appreciated most was how people made him feel throughout his four years at the university. “As a foreign kid, English was a challenge, but every faculty and staff member was there to help me,” Mateus said. He added that he was the first in his family to both earn a high school diploma and graduate from college — something he’s deeply proud of.
Mateus playing soccer during his time at Rockford College. 28 CATALYST
