NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Mendocino College Men’s Soccer team is off to a strong start, after just two years of offering the program the team can say they’ve sustained their winning record.

Thirteen sophomores played their final season for the Mendocino Eagles in the fall of 2015, after being part of the inaugural men’s team, and now four of them can say they are moving on and continuing to pursue their dream.

Fabian Carlon, Felipe Chavez and Victor Hernandez will all be joining the University of St. Mary athletic program while Oswaldo Segura Diaz will continue his dream of playing soccer at Indiana Tech.

All four of these young athletes were recruited from Ukiah for the Mendocino College Men’s Soccer Team’s inaugural season.

Their commitment and dedication to the program and their academic success are just a few reasons they were all chosen to sign letters of intent at four-year universities.

“Mendocino College has helped me grow more as a person and as an athlete. My best memory of my time here was tying our game versus Napa to clinch the Conference Championship at their field,” Carlon said.

Coach Shane Huff described Fabian as a hardworking athlete who always has a smile on his face. “I’m really proud of him, he is our most improved player in these first two years, by far. He put in the hard work and made it happen.”

Chavez said playing for Mendocino College was his dream. “I finally became the athlete and person I always wanted to be. Every second of my time here was worth the experience. My favorite memory was the very first day of fitness training, I remember wondering what in the world I was doing here and that was the moment I knew I had to stay and I had to be a part of the program.”

Huff said Chavez is nicknamed “Mr. Consistent.”

“He wasn’t flashy in his play, but always consistent, he was a steadfast starter in his sophomore year from the beginning. He’s a very respectful and well-rounded young man, and a joy to have on the team,” Huff said.

Coach Huff described Hernandez as a talented goalkeeper. “He is great for team camaraderie, a wonderful young man, and has the potential do really excel as a goal keeper!”

Hernandez explained how much Mendocino College means to him. “It allowed me to play the sport I love and also gave me a chance to go to school and study what I enjoy. If it wasn’t for Mendocino College, I wouldn’t have been able to meet the people I have, and I also wouldn’t have been able to meet my teammates who I now consider my family. Mendocino College means a lot to me for all that it has done for me in my life and what it has given me. For that, I will always be thankful.”

He added, “My time playing soccer for Mendocino College gave me my best memories, and they were all the times and experiences I had with my teammates and coaches. Whether it was on road trips or at practice, we always had a laugh and enjoyed each other’s company. Those are the best experiences I had because those are the memories I will keep with me for the rest of my life, to always look back on with a smile on my face.”

“Mendocino College has done so much for me,” said Segura Diaz. “It allowed me to settle in and figure out what I wanted to do in life all while allowing me to play the game I love. The school and the community has shaped me into a better person and I am very thankful for these last two years. I am especially thankful for the coaches and my instructors along the way. My favorite thing about MC is the soccer community support, it may not be a big school, but the support is strong. I really enjoyed playing with the team and creating new friendships and memories.”

Coach Huff described Segura Diaz as, “overall, our most impactful player – just pure talent. Quick, fast, tenacious, an incredible athlete.”