Alumni Spotlight: Carlos Yustis ‘05

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Carlos Yustis ‘05 anchoring at TelemundoCarlos Yustis ‘05 has always had a passion for soccer and now works as the Sports Anchor for Telemundo’s local station in the Bay Area in California. He is also the analyst for Telemundo’s Chivas’ games in English and Telemundo Deportes’ correspondent for most FIFA sanctioned events, including the Olympics. Read on to learn about his career, his favorite memories from his time at Gulliver Prep, his advice to current students, a quote that motivates him, and more!

Q: What do you like about the work you are doing now? Describe your career path.

A: Even though my passion has always been soccer and it’s crazy that I get to work with some of the best teams in the country every day, I honestly didn’t think this was going to be my job. I went to school for film, tv directing, and production, and thought I would be directing the Avengers one day.

I met my first boss while playing soccer in Miami. He recruited me to work as a producer for Univision and later suggested I would be good on camera.

I switched jobs and started at Telemundo, still as producer, and after 6 years in that position I decided I was ready to try to make it as an anchor.

I quit my job and started my own YouTube channel. Shortly after, I applied for a job as an anchor in South Texas and that was my first on-camera gig. Two World Cups, one Super Bowl, and one Olympics later, I think it was the right choice.

Carlos Yustis ‘05 at Tokyo OlympicsQ: Is there anything you learned during your time at Gulliver Prep that you feel was helpful in your career?

A: With time I’ve learned that everything is helpful. There might be things I don’t use specifically every day, like Physics for example, but in my case, learning how to communicate effectively and tell stories (which are both integral parts of all papers you write), has become very important tools in my daily work. Also, the IB program helped me get used to having a heavy workload.

Q: What experiences did you have at Gulliver that helped prepare you for college and beyond?

A: Organization is the most important skill I think Gulliver helped me develop. Balancing classes, practice, and homework seems like a piece of cake at this point because as you progress in life you keep adding responsibilities to the mix.

I was also lucky enough to stay at Gulliver past graduation as a soccer coach and that responsibility and knowledge has helped tremendously.

Q: Are there any Gulliver teachers or coaches that you credit as having been a positive influence on you? 

A: Yes definitely! I have no idea if some of them are still there, but when I started at Gulliver, I had just moved from Mexico and their help was extremely important. I enjoyed Mr. Montero’s Spanish Literature class. It was my safe space when I wasn’t confident with my English. Alina Armada was the first math teacher that actually taught me something in math, same as Annie Castro the following year.

And obviously Coach Dieppa, who recently retired. I can’t say that we always saw eye to eye in terms of tactics, but I really appreciate all his help in making me feel comfortable in a new environment and then hiring me as an assistant coach. It will always mean a lot to me.

Carlos Yustis ‘05 anchoring at soccerQ: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Gulliver Prep?

A: I have many but two stand out. Every Friday the students from the IB program would get together and play IB Soccer. It wasn’t competitive at all, but it was a good way for me to feel included and spend some time with my friends outside school doing something I liked. And the other one is the Regional game against Belen at UM’s Cobb Stadium my senior year. I played semi-professionally in Mexico before moving to the U.S. and having that kind of turnout and support was just incredible. Ransom away games with our crowd were fun too.

Q: What has been one of your proudest moments thus far?

A: Being able to cover the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France. Growing up I always dreamed of playing in the World Cup, and even though that did not happen, just being able to stand on the field in the biggest sports stage in the world was a dream come true.

France made me particularly proud because I’ve been following women’s soccer for a very long time and have seen the challenges women’s sports face every day. To see the importance and demand for the women’s game makes me feel hopeful for the future.

Q: As a Gulliver Prep alum, what advice would you give to current students?  

A: Enjoy your time at Gulliver and absorb as much as you can of everything. The classes, your teachers, your activities, and your friends. Don’t be too worried about the future because the future might not look the way you envisioned it, and that’s ok!

Q: What alumni events have you attended and which do you look forward to the most?

A: I usually work weekends and Thanksgiving (thank you NFL!) but I go to our soccer alumni game on Thanksgiving whenever possible! (How many times have I wrote soccer on this thing?)

Rapid Fire:

A quote that motivates you: “Champions sweat when no one is watching.”
Favorite music genre: Rock
Last TV show you binged: Ted Lasso (of course)
Your go-to mid-afternoon snack or pick-me-up: There’s a small Italian deli near my house that makes the best Ravioli you ever had! They also have a secret sandwich that’s the crown jewel of the place so when I need to clear my head I walk one of my puppies over there and bring some back.

 

Middle school student building.

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