CHICOPEE — Rain or shine, home or away this fall, seniors Emalie Mendes and Lauren Galica could be found in the announcing booth at Szot Park.
They’ve been announcing Chicopee High School boys’ soccer games since their sophomore and junior years respectively, emphasizing that it has made them feel more connected to their school community.
The girls’ last game announcing was Chicopee’s MIAA Division III state tournament Round of 16 game against Hanover last month.
After getting involved with this opportunity, Mendes started doing the “Friday shoutouts” at school, announcing students nominated for them by teachers and other classmates.
Mendes was asked by boys soccer head coach Hugo Destapado to take up the role for her sophomore year. Destapado has known her for most of her life, as the two families have been close friends for years.
Mendes then asked Galica to join her in the booth for their junior year, and from there they’ve grown into their role and developed confidence behind the microphone.
For her first game, Mendes said she was nervous and “didn’t know what to do” but quickly settled into the routine of it. She wrote a script to follow which both girls have been using since. This past season, they also started playing a goal song every time a Pacer found the back of net.
Before starting to announce, Galica said she was really quiet. But public speaking has helped her break out of her shell, and she’s comfortable talking to more people in the school community.
Mendes also struggled with juggling her time between being at Szot Park and her other extracurriculars. Galica struggled a lot with stage fright and was afraid of mispronouncing names.
Coming from West Springfield, where she went to both elementary and middle schools, announcing has allowed Galica to get to know more people in Chicopee.
Mendes said she’s grown, and stated that their work behind the mic has made their friendships stronger with players on the team.
“As soon as someone scores, the inside of that [booth] goes crazy,” site manager Chet Bobala said.
Bobala also said that Mendes and Galica are “wonderful kids” and put in the effort to make sure that they get every single player’s name correct, even for teams traveling to Chicopee’s home field.
“Lauren, every time she sees me, she’s got a big grin on her face,” Bobala said. “They’re just super kids and I think I’m [going to] miss them.”
Destapado said having both girls in the booth has provided him with some relief. He can focus on his players, rather than worrying if anyone will be there to handling the announcing duties at Szot.
“I think [them announcing] gives me personally a little peace of mind knowing that I have consistent people covering,” Destapado said. “It’s individuals that have known [the players] for at least for four years. Again, everybody knows everybody.”
Destapado elaborated, stating that both Galica and Mendes, “know how to work the clock, what time to get [to Szot Park].”
With many seniors graduating from the boys team this year, Destapado stated that both announcers are, “part of the program” and stressed the peace of mind Mendes and Galica have given him.
Mendes’ life theme song would be “Dancing Queen,” or anything from the “Mamma Mia” soundtrack. Her favorite artist is Zach Bryan.
Galica said her theme song would be “Vienna” by Billy Joel. However, Bruce Springsteen is her favorite artist since she grew up listening to his music.
“Sometimes I really rush into things or [am] really anxious about things,” Galicia said. “[It’s like] ‘slow down, it’s OK, you’re fine.’”
Outside of spending time at the Pacers’ home field, or on bleachers at away games, Mendes and Galica have begun to focus on what comes after graduating in June.
Mendes is hoping to go into law, stating that she likes to “find the right in people” and fight for people’s rights and what she believes in. While unsure what area she wants to focus on, the senior is interested in criminal psychology or focusing on medical law.
While Mendes doesn’t want to major in anything sports-related in college, she did say she could see herself continuing announcing during her college career.
Galicia has her eyes set on nursing, specifically pediatrics. During the eighth grade career day presentation, the senior’s interest was first peaked and later developed into wanting to continue her education majoring in the field.
Mendes grew up dancing competitively and even reached a national competition her junior year. She stated that getting the highest score at the competition was one of her biggest accomplishments.
“My mom was a teacher growing up so I was born into the studios,” Mendes said. “I’ve been at the same studio my entire life.”
Athletically, Galicia does both indoor and outdoor track. One of her biggest accomplishments was also athletics focused, stating that it was being named indoor track captain last season.
“Being that junior [or] senior that people look up to, ask questions to and relate to, I feel like that’s an achievement because I feel responsible and… important,” Galicia said.
In her free time, Mendes also helps at the Portuguese American Club, which her father runs in Chicopee. During the midterm elections, he was running for a place on the city council and on election day, Mendes was helping get voters to vote for her dad.
Lauren is the historian for the National Honors Society chapter at Chicopee and also runs the fundraising committee during her free time for her community. Mendes is also a member of the chapter.
With graduation coming for both in June, the announcing are open to fill for a Chicopee student. Emalie and Lauren both have pieces of advice for whoever that may be.
“Dedication,” Galicia said. “It takes dedication to show up every single game even when you don’t want to or you have to study… you still have to come and be supportive and have good energy.”
“Learning… how the [referees work], learning the hand motion signals,” Mendes said. “Being louder on the mic.”
An extra tip Mendes would offer to whoever fills their shoes is to project their voice, even when speaking into the microphone.
Both girls expressed that they wish more students and teachers would come to Szot Park to support Chicopee, stating that when peers are in the stands it “brightens their day.”
