Student Spotlight - Cristiano Whitaker

Cristiano Whitaker, a Brazilian-born student-athlete, completed his final quarter at Everett Community College after a journey marked by resilience and determination. Originally from a small city near São Paulo, Whitaker moved to the U.S. in 2020 to study and play soccer at EvCC, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his plans. After losing his scholarship and dropping out, he reconnected with the college in 2023 and rebuilt his academic and athletic momentum. Now set to transfer to the University of Washington Bothell to study marketing, Whitaker credits EvCC for equipping him with the skills, confidence and support needed to pursue his goals. His advice to fellow student-athletes: “Bring the same intensity to the classroom that you bring to the field.”

Tell me a little bit about yourself, including what you're studying here at EvCC.

My name is Cristiano Whitaker, and I’m currently in my final quarter at EvCC, wrapping up a long academic journey that began in 2020. I was born and raised in Brazil, in a small city near São Paulo, where I spent most of my life.

Why did you choose to attend EvCC?

I moved to the U.S. in 2020 after connecting with EvCC’s soccer coach in hopes of finding an opportunity to study and play. I arrived in Seattle just a few weeks before the pandemic hit, and COVID quickly turned my life upside down.

During the pandemic, I watched my dreams going down the toilet as the soccer season was cancelled, I lost my scholarship, and I had to drop out of college. Fast forward to 2023, my path crossed with EvCC once again, and I was able to resume both my academic and athletic goals.

What are your educational and/or career plans?

After two strong academic years and successful soccer seasons, I’m excited to transfer to UW Bothell this fall to pursue a degree in Marketing.

How do you think the skills you're learning at EvCC are helping you reach your goals?

The range of skills I’ve gained at EvCC has supported and empowered me to pursue my goals with confidence. From professors and advisors to coaches and teammates, I was constantly learning—whether through new perspectives or practical knowledge. I believe that it wasn’t just the hard skills I developed in class, but the overall experience at EvCC that has shaped both my educational journey and career path.

What advice do you have for new students?

If I could offer one piece of advice, especially to student-athletes, it would be this: bring the same intensity to the classroom that you bring to the field. Over the past two years, I’ve seen many talented players struggle academically because they lost the balance between athletics and education. It’s essential to remember that sports and academics go hand in hand, but even more important to understand that while your athletic career may be temporary, your academic success will last a lifetime.