The Colby men’s soccer team wrapped up its 2025 campaign this past week, concluding a season defined by growth, resilience, and a relentless competitive spirit.
On Tuesday, the Mules traveled down to Lewiston, Maine, for a rivalry matchup against the Bates College Bobcats. In an intense, emotionally charged match, both teams scored late goals to finish in a 1–1 draw. First-year striker Santi Canencio `29 scored for Colby to secure a hard-earned point and conclude the season with a 5–4–6 record.
This fall marked a new era for the Mules with Sean Elvert finishing up his first year as head coach. Elvert has brought new ideas and fresh enthusiasm to the program, emphasizing development, discipline, and team chemistry.
With 10 new first-year players added to the roster, the Mules welcomed the challenge of mixing new talent with experienced leadership. Rapidly overcoming the pre-season turnover, Colby quickly proved itself a disciplined, organized unit that was competitive in every match and fearless against the best in the NESCAC, one of the toughest conferences in Division III soccer.
The Mules ended the season on a three-match run with conference draws. A 1–1 tie at Trinity College included a late equalizer from senior defender Ryan Stewart `26. A 1–1 result against the league powerhouse Wesleyan on Senior Day came with a second-half goal by senior forward Chase Dolinko `26.
As the season comes to a close, Colby bids farewell to a senior class whose impact on the team goes far beyond the stat sheet. The leadership, devotion, and dedication of this senior class have set the standard for future classes of Mules.
Captain Braden Jondro `26, from Westford, Massachusetts, has been the mainstay of Colby soccer for the past four years. He came into every game and session with poise and an insatiable work ethic, truly showing what it means to wear the Colby badge. He was key on defense in the season-ending tie with Bates on the road. A leader to his teammates and a mentor off the field, Jondro’s presence will be felt long after graduation as he has left his indelible mark on the locker room culture. Immediately following graduation, he will be working in New York City as a sales and trading analyst with Goldman Sachs.
The Mules have also been driven by Captain Ryan Stewart `26 from West Chester, Pennsylvania. A four-year player, Stewart has brought leadership and competitiveness to the backline throughout the season. It was his late goal against Trinity College that truly showed his fight and determination. With his voice, passion, and accountability, Stewart pushed those around him to be better every day. After graduation, he will move to New York City, where he will be joining Bank of America as an investment banking analyst.
Senior midfielder Luis Estrella `26, from Panama City, Panama, brought creativity, flair, and leadership into the Mules’ midfield. A four-year contributor and graduate of the South Kent School, Estrella’s technical skill and vision made him a joy to watch, while his discipline and work rate made him a respected leader within the squad. Off the field, Estrella’s professionalism and positivity elevated the culture of the team. Following graduation, he will be moving to Boston to work as an associate for the Boston Consulting Group.
Senior midfielder Jasper Paez `26 from Bedford, Massachusetts, came to Colby as a transfer from Siena College and immediately took a prominent role at the heart of the Colby midfield. Calm on the ball and consistent with his play, Jasper brought poise and intelligence to the center of the pitch. Off the field, he is warm and humorous, a beloved teammate. A double major in Economics and Computer Science, Jasper leaves behind a legacy of consistency and character.
Rounding out the senior class is forward Chase Dolinko `26 of Menlo Park, California Dolinko started every game this year and proved to be a significant contributor in the attack, scoring the equalizer against Wesleyan University on Senior Day. A consistent presence on and off the pitch, Dolinko provided leadership for underclassmen and acted as an excellent representative of the program. Graduating following Jan Plan, he intends to attend graduate school after his time at Colby.
With the seniors passing into their new chapters, the foundation they leave is solid. With Coach Elvert at the head of the program and a promising core returning, the Mules are well-set to build on this season’s progress.
The 2025 Colby men’s soccer team will be remembered not just for results but, more importantly, for the resilience, heart, and unification of this group that set the tone for the next era of Colby soccer.
~ Kameron Mohammed `29
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