Two Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) students have been selected for the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup 2026 Los Angeles Dream Team through the Cisco Networking Academy program. Only three qualified Cisco Networking Academy students located near the Los Angeles area were selected for this opportunity, and MSJC students earned two of those spots.
James Suzuki and Nathaniel Doromal, both students in MSJC’s Computer Information Systems networking pathway, were selected through a highly competitive process to assist with networking and IT operations connected to one of the world’s largest international sporting events at SoFi Stadium.
Suzuki and Doromal will have a rare opportunity to work alongside technology professionals supporting one of the world’s largest international sporting events. The experience will provide an opportunity for them to apply their technical skills on a global stage while representing both their communities and MSJC at one of the world’s premier sporting events.
Suzuki, a 29-year-old Romoland resident, has attended both the Menifee Valley and San Jacinto campuses while pursuing a networking certification through MSJC’s Computer Information Systems program. Suzuki said MSJC has helped him build technical knowledge while providing valuable hands-on experience in networking and server environments.
“MSJC has given me the opportunity to learn a lot about technology and get hands-on experience with professional-grade equipment in the server lab,” Suzuki said. As a returning college student, Suzuki said his experience at MSJC has renewed his motivation and focus. “This is not my first time as a college student, but as a returning student, I have been much more motivated about my education,” he said. “I have taken every opportunity to learn as much as I can. I’m usually the last student to leave the classroom.”
Suzuki plans to complete his certification in 2026 and hopes to pursue a career in low-voltage technology work before eventually moving into network engineering.
Doromal, a 28-year-old resident of Temecula, attends the Menifee Valley Campus and is majoring in Computer/Information Systems – Networking, with plans to graduate in 2027. He said MSJC helped him gain confidence and clarity about his future career path in information technology.
“Before attending MSJC, I was still trying to figure out my direction,” Doromal said. “Since then, I’ve gained a lot more confidence in my abilities, especially when it comes to troubleshooting and problem-solving in IT. I feel more focused and prepared for my career path now.”
Doromal credited the college’s hands-on labs, collaborative learning environment, and supportive faculty with helping him grow both personally and professionally. “This experience has given me the opportunity to really focus on learning and building my skills in IT,” he said. “The hands-on labs and supportive environment have helped me gain practical experience, and I’m especially grateful for my instructors and classmates who have supported my growth along the way.”
Doromal plans to earn his CCNA and CompTIA A+ certifications and hopes to secure an entry-level IT or networking position after graduation.
The selection of two MSJC students for the FIFA Club World Cup 2026 Los Angeles Dream Team highlights the strength of the college’s career education and technology programs in preparing students for workforce opportunities in rapidly growing industries. Through hands-on instruction, industry-aligned curriculum, and mentorship from faculty, MSJC continues to provide students with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and into real-world professional environments.
