Danielle Gomes, 21, is a nursing major from Hanford, Calif. and is a mid-distance runner on the cross country and track team. Nick Bautista, 21, is a business major from Orange, Calif. who plays center midfield for Biola men’s soccer.
What church do you go to?
NB: In the process of finding one.
DG: Grace Brethren of Long Beach.
Have you enjoyed being a part of Biola sports?
NB: Yes, I enjoy certain areas of Biola, and playing on the team, I just wish we had more support.
DG: This is actually only my second year running at Biola. I joined a little late, but so far I have loved it. My team is great and is the reason I keep running!
What has been one of the most rewarding parts about playing for BU?
NB: I get to play for God, and hopefully my play reflects that.
DG: I feel so privileged to be part of such an amazing team that strives to honor God. I love all the encouragement my teammates give!
What is your favorite school to compete against?
NB: It varies. I usually like to play Concordia or Azusa because I like how they play and what the energy is.
DG: Well, we race against a lot of teams at once, but I guess my favorite race is when we compete against all the GSAC teams.
When you go away for competition, where is your favorite place or campus to visit?
NB: I actually think Fresno has the best field to play, although their campus isn’t too great.
DG: I like running at Woodward Park in Fresno. It’s a really pretty park and has a nice course that’s mainly dirt.
How has juggling sports, school, and a social life been?
NB: Crazy. Having a job with everything else isn’t the easiest thing either. It definitely is taking a toll on me mentally and physically.
DG: Nursing is pretty time demanding and I can’t choose when my classes are or when I go to the hospital. My coach has been so good about working with me, though. If I am overwhelmed with school, he lets me take a couple days off because “school comes first,” or if I have 12-hour shifts at the hospital, I don’t have to run. I think this semester has been the most challenging in balancing school and running. One thing that affects my social life is the fact that sometimes I have to go to bed earlier in order to do early morning runs or for race days – or even just to get enough sleep so I can be ready to practice the next day,
How do you incorporate your faith into your sport?
NB: By playing with the right mind-set (although sometimes it is really hard to do) [and] like not tackling the guy who just fouled you.
DG: Running has taught me perseverance and to rely on God for strength.
What motivates you the most while you play your sport?
NB: The competition and the fun of it.
DG: During races, one thing that motivates me is when I pass a girl ahead of me. Also, I just tell myself the faster I go, the faster I’ll be finished.
Who was your hero growing up (or now)?
NB: My hero is my Dad. He has been through so much, yet he is still awesome to my family and me.
Any hidden talents?
NB: I play guitar and cook.
DG: No, not really, sorry to say.
Hobbies?
NB: I like cruising, whether it’s on my bike or skateboard. I will hit up the beach every now and then and try to bodyboard or surf, but I usually don’t have time.
DG: I don’t really seem to have time for hobbies right now.
What sport is your favorite other than your own?
NB: I enjoy hockey.
Favorite food?
NB: Carne asada tacos, for sure.
DG: Ice cream, for sure, and then probably Chipotle’s chips and guacamole.
What are you doing on a Friday night if you aren’t playing your sport?
NB: Hanging out with friends, bowling, watching movies, or just resting for the next day.
DG: Probably hanging out with my fiancé, Charlie.
Do you have a job during season? If so, what?
NB: Right now I am a financial rep for Northwestern Mutual.
DG: I have a job at Presbyterian Hospital in Whittier as a nurse’s assistant. My supervisor is very flexible and lets me work whenever I can, which isn’t very often.
Are there any exciting things going on in your life at the moment or in the near future?
NB: There are always exciting things going on — it’s hard to just sit back and enjoy them sometimes.
DG: I got engaged three weeks ago to Charlie! It’s been very fun celebrating and we are planning on getting married next summer.
As you can see, Danielle and Nick have loved playing sports for Biola. With each semester, senior athletes come closer to their graduation and their last games. Go out to show your support and thank them for representing Biola in their sport.
