By Aaron Castrejon
BroncoAthletics.com
POMONA, Calif. - A former Cal Poly Pomona soccer player is going pro.
Justin Valashinas, a former defender on the men's soccer team, will play with the Los Angeles Blues, a professional soccer team from the United Soccer Leagues Professional Division (USL Pro).
“I grew up playing almost every sport,” said the 5-foot-10 athlete from Manhattan Beach, Calif. Soccer, however, was the one sport that stuck and it has been a lifelong goal to play professionally.
It was just one week after the last game of the 2010 season when Valashinas jumped at the opportunity to play professionally. Trevor Persson, an assistant coach with the Broncos, was able to help Valashinas get an opportunity to tryout.
The L.A. Blues liked what they saw and kept asking Valashinas to return. Soon after, Valashinas was signed. “I really didn't believe it. I was amazed that I was given a shot. That's all I could really ask for,” Valashinas said.
"We are pleased with signing Justin,” said Charlie Naimo, vice president and head coach of the Blues. “He is a young local player that has already shown signs of being a great professional."
It is also the USL Pro's inaugural season. “The whole aspect of it is kind of mind boggling,” Valashinas said.
Valashinas arrived to CPP from Fort Lewis College (Div. II) in Durango, Colo. And immediately bonded with his players and coaches. Valashinas played three season with the Broncos (2008-2010).
In his starting year, Valashinas broke his ankle. The inability to play during his recovery did a number on his confidence levels, but he refused to let that keep him down.
“Any great leader has to have the ability to adapt to the situation they are in,” Broncos' head coach Lance Thompson said. “They have to have the ability to adapt. I really believe Justin has those leadership qualities. He adapted to the expectations and direction this program was going in,” Thompson said.
Thompson arrived to Cal Poly Pomona to helm the men's team in Feb. 2009. Valashinas was the first student athlete to call and congratulate him. “That is something I'll always remember,” Thompson said.
In his three seasons, Valashinas displayed an amazing work ethic, having played in 47 games, 45 of which he started. In the 2010 season he played in 1,397 minutes, leading the Broncos.
“He was extremely committed to making this program successful.”
That work ethic was something coach Thompson reinforced in Valashinas.
“You don't get places in the long run by luck. Ultimately it's your work ethic that is going to determine the kind of person you are on and off the field,” Valashinas said. “The work you put into it is ultimately what gets you far.
“I've had a great experience here. I met a bunch of great players here at Cal Poly. I feel very lucky that I was given a shot and now it's up to me to make the most of it. I'm looking forward to what happens.”
The L.A. Blues play their inaugural game Friday, April 15 against Sevilla FC Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico. Their first home game is Sunday, May 1 at Cal State Fullerton's Titan Stadium.
