Triton Women’s Soccer player Ariya Cruz stands beside her poster on the newly unveiled Champions of Triton Athletics wall on Oct. 15 at the University of Guam Calvo Field House.

“These are a hardworking group of student-athletes who not only excel athletically but are also role models for teamwork and leadership for their teams and the UOG student body,” Athletics Director Doug Palmer said. “This display is a preview of some of the faces that may someday be in our Hall of Fame.”

(From left) President Thomas W. Krise, Elisha Benavente, Logan Hopkins, Ariya Cruz, Niah Siguenza, Jan-Nasia Travilla, Isla Quinata, Sopheary Soun, Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success Lawrence Camacho, and Athletics Director Doug Palmer

UOG President Thomas W. Krise congratulated the athletes as well as the athletics department on its many new developments under Palmer that are bringing energy and excitement to the community.

 Logan Hopkins, a men’s basketball player who came to the university from Texas, spoke at the ceremony, sharing his experience as an athlete.

“Triton Athletics is developing more and becoming more like colleges in the states,” he said. “It’s going to be a fun experience in my next four years to see how far Triton Athletics can take it.”

Jan-Nasia Travilla, a Triton athlete from Saipan, also spoke about being part of the women’s basketball team.

“It’s an honor to be part of a program that has finally come back after a 20-year hiatus,” she said. “In the beginning of the season it was a bit of a challenge for me considering that most of my teammates had already played with each other in high school, but they were very welcoming.”

The photos on display were taken by Victor Consaga, the sports photographer for the university.

The wall will be updated every year with images of current athletes.

The following student-athletes are featured on the wall:

• Elisha Benavente, women’s soccer
• Aaron Castro, men’s basketball
• Ariya Cruz, women’s soccer
• Logan Hopkins, men’s basketball
• Victor Jones Jr., men’s basketball
• Ichiyo Kawamata, men’s soccer
• Dylan Naputi, men’s soccer
• Ryoga Okada, men’s soccer
• Isla Quinata, women’s basketball
• Niah Siguenza, women’s basketball
• Sopheary Soun, women’s soccer
• Cloyd Rosas, men’s basketball
• Jan-Nasia Travilla, women’s basketball