Get to Know: Matthew Goto

Get to know Matthew Goto, Director of All Star Experience in the West Region!

What is your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is setting the stage and venue for athletes to do what they love, for coaches to witness their time and dedication come to life and for families to celebrate and support their kids!

When did you first get in to the all star cheer and dance community?

I was a dancer, mascot and cheerleader in high school – but fell in love with All Star cheerleading. After attending NCA All Star Nationals, I knew I had to become a member of NCA Staff. I became a Head Instructor and Collegiate Instructor and have grown professional within the industry since then!

Who is your hero and why?

It’s hard to identify one hero, but I would have to say one of my heroes is Harvey Milk – a government official in San Francisco in the 1970’s who fought for equality and fair treatment for all when it wasn’t popular or widely supported. He reminds me that everyone deserves fair treatment and respect – and I do my best to keep those values present in my day to day life and in our sport.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would you do?

There are few joys in life better than riding a bike… I love setting out on the open road, trails or a mountain climb knowing that I can go as far as my body and mind will take me. Some rides are mentally and physically draining and your legs and confidence may turn on you, but looking back on how far you’ve gone or soaking up the view from the top of a climb is a beautiful reminder that anything is possible – if you put in the work and don’t give up on yourself.

What is one thing that motivates you the most?

I have always been a pretty motivated person. Ever since I was young I have always seen 24 hours in the day as a challenge and an opportunity to make the most of the day and time that we have. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed and everyday you can look around and see things NOW that you wish you wished and prayed for in the past. I surround myself with affirmations and reminders that keep me in the perspective that I’m lucky to have what I have and to be where I am, that makes me motivated and excited to keep going, to give my best and to not take time/people/opportunities for granted.

What are your hobbies, and how did you get into them?

When I’m not producing cheer & dance events or summer training camps (or hanging out with my husband and our Jack Russell Terrier), I spend my free time swimming, cycling and running. I’m an IRONMAN triathlete, which means a few times a year I swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and then run 26.2 miles – a total of 140.6 consecutive miles FOR FUN with other endurance athletes/triathletes! I’m a member of a bunch of endurance sports teams/clubs (Team Zoot, Silicon Valley Triathlon Club, One With Ocean and Gatorade Endurance’s EndurAlliance) and I love staying active with my teammates as we train for races!

What is one piece of advice you would have for your younger self?

My best piece of advice I would give my younger self is “Be Yourself – Everyone Else is already taken.” To me this means that each of us is unique, special and weird. And owning that and shining our light out into the world makes the world a better, more colorful and more enjoyable place for everyone! Don’t try to fit a mold, a social or cultural norm or be anyone other than your true and authentic self – THAT is the person people cannot wait to meet – and love!

What is a quote that you live your life by?

One of my absolute favorite quotes to live by is from my endurance sports world but 100% applies to cheerleading, dance and life… “To Give Less Than Your Best Is To Sacrifice The Gift” -Steve Prefontaine. When you give your all, you’re showing your appreciation for all those who helped you get to where you are today – and hopefully inspiring and motivating others to do the same.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]