Las Positas College is proud to announce that freshman forward Saul Tecle has been named the United Soccer Coaches Junior College Division III National Player of the Year, the most prestigious honor awarded to a college soccer athlete. This historic recognition marks the first time a student-athlete from LPC Soccer has received this national accolade, shining a spotlight on the college at a national level.
Tecle, originally from Frankfurt, Germany, and a graduate of Catawba Ridge High School (SC), led the Hawks with an incredible 27 goals this season. He finished 2nd in the Nation and tied for 1st in the State in goals scored, helping the team achieve its deepest-ever run in the 3C2A tournament.
“This is a momentous achievement not only for Saul but for our entire athletics program at Las Positas College,” said Dr. Dyrell Foster, President of LPC. “His hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent have elevated the Hawks and set a new benchmark for student-athletes across our campus.”
Andrew Cumbo, LPC Assistant Athletic Director and Men’s & Women’s Soccer Coach, expressed his pride in Tecle’s achievement, saying “Saul’s success is a testament to his relentless drive, incredible skill, and team-first mentality. He has been an inspiring presence on and off the field, and this recognition is well-deserved. Saul embodies what it means to be an LPC Hawk—determined, passionate, and committed to excellence.”
In addition to the National Player of the Year title, Tecle has earned a string of prestigious awards this season, including:
Under Tecle’s leadership, the Hawks soccer team, seeded 17th, achieved a historic playoff run, defeating #16 seed San Joaquin Delta (5-1) and #1 seed Evergreen Valley (2-0) before concluding their journey in the third round of the NorCal Regional Playoffs. The team’s final record for the season was 13-8-4.
Founded in 1941, United Soccer Coaches is the largest global community for soccer coaches and a leading advocate for the sport. Tecle’s recognition as National Player of the Year underscores the program’s commitment to excellence and the bright future of LPC Athletics.
Las Positas College congratulates Saul Tecle on this outstanding accomplishment and looks forward to watching his continued success both on and off the field.
About Las Positas College
Las Positas College currently enrolls nearly 8,500 day and evening students. The College offers a curriculum for students seeking career preparation, transfer to a four-year college or university, or personal enrichment. The College provides university transfer classes, retraining classes for those in need of employment or career advancement, a first-time educational opportunity for many adults, enrichment classes for those seeking a broader perspective, and career and technical training for those entering the technical and paraprofessional workforce. Las Positas College excels in helping students transfer to the University of California system, the California State University system, and other four-year institutions. Las Positas College is a learning-centered institution focused on excellence and student success and is fully committed to supporting all Tri-Valley residents in their quest for education and advancement.
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