Bio

Chris Araya was born in Lakeview and raised in Glendale and Lynwood, CA. He left to Costa Rica at the age of 13 to do middle school and high school, while still playing club and eventually academy during his youth development. Chris managed to play second division at the age of 16 and made his first move to the first division at 18 years of age. Though, his parents suggested and ultimately made him return to the US to obtain a diploma, allowing him to experience the collegiate atmosphere.

Chris played at Chaffey College in 2006 and 2007, suffering through some bad injuries and many losses as a part of the Panther’s newer soccer program. Nonetheless, Chris transferred to College of Santa Fe in New Mexico in 2008. There, he was declared the best offensive player by the NAIA for the school for the 2008 season. Chris graduated in 2009 and received his Bachelor’s degree with honors in Computer Science.

After graduating, Chris decided to return to Costa Rica to pursue his professional soccer career, signing his official contract with Puntarenas FC in 2009 and having a great season by finishing first place in their group and second place in the playoff round. In 2010, he transferred over to Brujas FC, a team competing in the CONCACAF Champions League but unfortunately getting eliminated early on. This season became the greatest season of his career, allowing him to obtain the MVP offensive player of the 2010-2011 season. Scoring a staggering 26 goals in a season that brought them to the final only to lose in penalty kicks. After this season, Chris was embarking into one of the biggest clubs in Costa Rica, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense. Unfortunately he suffered a severe injury (torn ACL), during the winter break, which led him to the end of his playing career. Chris was also linked with the LA Blues during the Charlie Naimo era but couldn't come to an agreement on the contract terms.

After suffering the injury, Chris had surgery and during his recovery decided to get his coaching license; which led to his new career. He began coaching club at Celtic FC which subsequently led to a transfer to FC Golden State. Chris joined the college coaching ranks by returning to Chaffey College in 2012. He was a volunteer assistant for the first two years and then became the head assistant starting in 2014, entering his fourth year as the top assistant in 2017. Chris’ resume at Chaffey has been impressive; coaching the Panthers to 3 Conference Championships in 5 years. Chris has taken great pride in being announced as the best offensive team in the State in the 2014 season. Chris has also had the honor of working with Chaffey’s Women's team in 2014 and had a great run in playoffs.

Besides soccer, Chris loves spending time with his beautiful wife, Cynthia. Luckily for him she is a huge soccer fan and player, allowing him to get her involved with everything he does. If he is not coaching, he is playing soccer with his best friends, or just spending some quality time with his wife, which sometimes leads into soccer as well. Chris is also very close to his family even though they live in Costa Rica, he is always missing his hilarious dad, caring mother, and unique sister. Most importantly always thanking God for everything.