Current Status: Alumni
Graduation Year: 2018
Manuel Madrigal (’18) has found his passion for serving his community through youth sports. After graduating from Hope International University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Madrigal quickly progressed in the manufacturing industry. However, after about five years, he found himself not fully enjoying the work he was doing and felt like something was missing. That missing piece, soccer.
Manny decided to lean into his passion for soccer and serving his community by starting Bell Gardens Football Club. Growing up in Bell Gardens, Manny shared, “Not a lot of kids were playing at the college level. Especially kids going straight into a 4-year university and receiving a scholarship.” Being one of the few in his community to break that generational barrier has opened doors to endless possibilities for others.
Attending HIU has taught Manuel so much about life, faith, and servant leadership. “Although I had never been in a Christian environment before Hope, as soon as I got in, I understood the message and was encouraged to share love and share compassion with others.” The communal environment at HIU was something he really enjoyed as well and adds, “Hope changed my life because it brought me out of my comfort zone.”
Manny is hopeful that in 10-15 years his investment in the community will result in more young soccer players going to college and playing at the professional level. Eventually, he dreams of building a stadium in Bell Gardens. Amidst the busy lifestyle of being a husband and father to two daughters, and managing a club team with over 300 members, Manny is determined to reach his goals and be a positive change agent in his community.
“I’m always going to be grateful for Hope, and for all the people who were there to support me. All my teammates, professors, counselors, and those in leadership, especially”. Seeing two Bell Gardens high school alumni take advantage of the opportunity to attend and play soccer at HIU is especially rewarding for Manny. His message to current students and athletes is, “Learn how to follow, so you can lead someday.”
