Moraine Valley has produced many successful student-athletes who have gone on to do great things across the world in and out of athletics. This is a special series to highlight those alumni.

When Rafael Meza started college in 1994, he was looking to attend South Suburban or Moraine Valley. He saw more opportunities in the classroom and on the soccer field at the latter.

Although the soccer program at Moraine Valley started in 1982 and ran for a few years, it was dropped to make room for the football team but reinstated in 1994. Nick Markulin became head coach, which Meza believed was a solid aspect of the team.

"Coach Markulin was great. I knew I'd be coached by a top-notch guy, and his assistant was great, too. The coaches at Moraine Valley were experienced, so on the field it was a lot more strategic. I really appreciated being exposed to that," Meza said. "It seemed like a well-put-together program."

In his first season with the team, they went 12-7-2, and the next year they were co-conference champions, going 12-3-3 overall. Some of his fondest memories are facing top teams such as College of Lake County, who they beat several times and Meza scored a winning goal on a free kick, and College of DuPage, who they suffered a tough 1-0 loss to. "They had big recruits, but we kept them to one goal, so it was a moral victory. It was memorable for our team and helped our coach get recruits," said Meza, who was a defender (sweeper).

During his time at Moraine Valley, Meza also was runner-up for conference Player of the Year, but his successes weren't limited to the field. "I had a good experience with professors, and they kept me on track to transfer. I really wanted my bachelor's degree, and they were mindful of that. They were very helpful," he recalled.

Meza transferred to MacMurray College to play soccer but blew out his knee and eventually went back to play club soccer. He graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.A. in psychology but ultimately found his way into human resources (HR) and has worked for Lipton, General Mills and currently is regional HR manager for the Associated Press.

Despite playing soccer at Moraine Valley nearly 30 years ago, Meza still can name a handful of his talented teammates and keeps in touch with a few. Even though he stopped playing the game several years ago, he fondly holds on to those college memories.

"I'm so glad I went to a community college. It was a great experience at Moraine Valley," he said.

If you want to share your Moraine Valley Athletics alumni experience, email Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.