Alumni Spotlights are Q&A's with former Brandeis student-athletes, across a myriad of disciplines, as they reflect on their Brandeis experience and how it has shaped their lives today. Read more spotlight features here.
Name: Antonio Cancio ’13
Job Title: Software Engineer
Organization: Apple
Antonio Cancio joined the Brandeis University Swimming and Diving Team (aka BUSDT) from Hollywood, Florida, in 2009. Though he missed two seasons of competition for the Judges while the team was unable to practice or compete at home, he stuck with the program and was part of the squad’s revival in 2012-13. Antonio was named a team captain that season, earning Academic All-UAA honors in the process.
Antonio received degrees in computer science and business. He worked for a brief time in Boston before relocating to Northern California to join Apple. For the last five-and-a-half years, he has worked as an engineer on Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, helping Siri move to other Apple devices other than the iPhone. He has also helped improve the product while preserving customer privacy
Describe your overall experience as a student-athlete. What does it mean to you now/what did it mean to you while you were an undergraduate?
I had a very positive experience as a student-athlete, and I think in many ways it defined my Brandeis experience. I often think back on my experience, because it continues to define my professional life. It was challenging as a student, especially as a freshman: new environment, juggling classes, assignments, on-campus jobs, and multiple practices a day. But there was little time to complain or to fall behind because you had teammates and coaches that you absolutely couldn't let down. One of the things I value the most were my teammates. They provided me – and sometimes still provide – the support I needed to get through it all. The one thing I wish had been different was the temporary closing of the Linsey Pool and suspension of the swimming and diving team at the end of my freshman year, from the fall 2010 to Spring 2012. It took a lot away from the experience. But, I was very happy to be part of the team again senior year, and I am so proud to see BUSDT performing they way they are today.
How did your time as a student and student-athlete at Brandeis prepare you for your career and life after college?
I think the time management skills and discipline I gained as a student-athlete helped me tremendously. In my first months after graduating, I noticed that other recent grads that I worked with struggled with what I thought were simple things: making it to work on time, preparing for important meetings, juggling multiple projects, completing tasks on time and if not, communicating with superiors. I believe being a student-athlete I gave me a head start, and a lot of these skills came naturally to me because of what my coaches expected of us while at Brandeis.
Do you have any advice for current or future Brandeis Student-Athletes?
Back when I was a first-year, all the seniors on the team used to tell us to "take it all in because the 4 years will go by so fast". I can attest- they were right. Enjoy every minute of your Brandeis experience, take advantage of your time academically, take advantage of your advisors, find a mentor, enjoy the time with your friends and teammates.
What originally attracted you to Brandeis as a student-athlete?
I saw a lot of value in attending a liberal arts university from the get-go. Alex Cemaj, Jesse Hershman, James Liu, Justin Wellins, Aaron Bennett, and the rest of the seniors on the team sealed the deal with BUSDT.
What was your favorite memory of being a student-athlete?
One of my favorite memories is sitting in the Brandeis Athletics vans, on the way to practice. (From 2008-2010 we practiced at Regis College and Bentley University). We told jokes and sang the latest top 40 with my teammates. But getting into a cold pool at 6 a.m. on a winter day for two-and-a-half hours is a close second.
What lessons did you learn as a student athlete that have benefited you as a professional? As a person?
The interpersonal skills that I gained from being a student-athlete allow me to stand out as a team lead and mentor at work. For example, validating and encouraging your teammates frequently is something that I learned through BUSDT and that has helped me be a good mentor to new employees. The mental toughness that I gained from managing a full course load, an on-campus job, and a lengthy and demanding athletic season allows me to approach any task or conflict with an open mind.
What do you miss most about your Brandeis experience?
I think Brandeis strives to have an inclusive community, and it has a history of being inclusive. Thinking back, I really appreciate that inclusive community.
Do you still keep in touch with any of your former Brandeis teammates?
I keep in touch with many of my teammates including Jared Goldman, Padraig Murphy, Daniel Danon, Sammy Icaza. Some live nearby, and for others that don't we try to see each other a few times a year even though we live on opposite coasts. All of my former teammates and coaches are my absolute favorite part of my student-athlete experience and I cherish all the memories we made together, even if we don't keep in touch as often.
What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
I am very proud of my work as a software engineer on Siri at Apple, where I've been over the last 5 years. Siri makes a big difference in the lives of many, especially those with specific accessibility needs and that may rely on a voice assistant for most of their smartphone interactions. I am also proud participating in iMentor which is a 3-year mentorship program. Through iMentor I've had the privilege of guiding a high school student from an underserved high school in my community through the college prep and application process.
This interview was lightly edited for clarity.