As students at West Chicago Community High School, someway, somehow, we have all run into Adrian Porcayo near Entrance B.

When I sat down in Porcayo’s office, which was well organized and quiet just after the 8:00 a.m. tardy pass rush, I found Porcayo to be very well spoken, and a humble individual. He goes with the flow; when asked about a quote he lives by, Porcayo simply stated, “It is what it is.” 

Porcayo grew up in West Chicago and attended District 33 schools before eventually making his way to WEGO. At Community High School, Porcayo participated in soccer for 4 years and volleyball for 3 years. He has always been a fierce competitor; in just one regional soccer match in high school, Porcayo had 30 saves.

He continued to focus on athletics after high school, playing soccer at College of DuPage, where he served as a goalkeeper and won the regional championship. As team captain, Porcayo had the necessary leadership strength and knowledge for the future, but knew he also wanted to help out the youth in any way. He found his path by taking on a coaching position at Community High School.

Today, he coaches the freshman girls’ volleyball team, as well as the JV boys’ volleyball team.

Former coach and now coworker Regina Pauli stated that Porcayo was a “huge competitor” and an “incredibly hard worker”.

Pauli added, “Being a varsity player for multiple seasons is a huge accomplishment. [He] was a great fit to the WEGO volleyball program, already knowing the expectations of the program and possessing leadership qualities.” 

It is evident Porcayo has impacted many students in the athletic program. Senior volleyball player Ramiro Garcia said, “He taught the fundamentals extremely well, made sure everyone was on point, and was a great leader when adversity hit.”

In addition to being held in high regard as a coach, Porcayo also runs the attendance program at Community High School. He enjoys his job because he can learn about different students’ situations and help them to their needs.

Assistant Principal of Administrative Services Pete Martino said, “Adrian is an outstanding teammate and is essential to the day to day operations of the Deans’ Office.  He has a great work ethic and attention to detail, and we love having him on our staff.”

Outside of work, Porcayo participates in adult soccer leagues as a goalkeeper. Some of his proudest achievements involved playing professional indoor soccer. Prior to joining the WEGO staff, Porcayo played for the Chicago Mustangs and the St. Louis Ambush as a goalkeeper. He simply stated playing professional indoor soccer was “awesome.” He says indoor soccer is faster paced, and similar to hockey.

When Porcayo stopped playing professional indoor soccer last year, he was able to spend more time with friends and family. Porcayo and his partner are expecting a daughter next month, and he is very excited about becoming a father. His parents are equally excited, as the baby will be their first grandchild. Porcayo also has a goldendoodle named Tito.

When asked if he could have dinner with anyone, Porcayo stated he would want to have dinner with his grandparents, who have since passed away. He explained, “I didn’t get a chance to talk to them one last time.”

Porcayo is “a good person and well-spoken,” said junior Brianna Gromos.

It is clear Porcayo has impacted many people – both on the field and in the school – as a role model and leader.

Senior Kaisa Krejberg summarizes, “He’s the best”.