Five Tiger soccer players sign with Division I schools

Coming off the most successful two-year run in the history of the Cowley College men's soccer program, five Tiger soccer players recently signed letters of intent to continue their playing careers at NCAA Division I schools.

Pedro Arcoverde signed with Missouri State University, Gabriel Atienza signed with Oral Roberts University, Hideto Gondo signed with Georgia State, Shunnosuke Nakajima signed with UMASS Lowell, and Yuki Sekiguchi signed with the University of Tulsa.

The sophomores helped Cowley win 33 games over the past two seasons and qualify for back-to-back national tournaments.

"I am extremely proud of these players and the direction our program is headed," Cowley head coach Ruy Vaz said. "These signings show that we are recruiting the right student-athletes and that Cowley soccer has solidified its presence at a national level. Each one of these players are not only good on the field, but they are also, and most importantly, great people. We will miss them dearly."

Arcoverde (two goals) was named a First Team all-conference selection as a sophomore.

"Arco is a unique talent and set the bar high for the center backs to come," Vaz said. "He knows what he needs to do to succeed at the next level, and I am certain that he will be able to be an elite player at Missouri State."

Atienza provided the Tigers with stellar play from the defender's position.

"Atienza is the best case of improvement I have seen in my time in the US, and I am proud of him for becoming such a mentally strong athlete," Vaz said. "Now he knows how good he is, and I hope he can hold on to this confidence so that he is able to achieve great things at Oral Roberts."

Gondo, a fellow defenseman, recorded one goal and five assists as a sophomore.

"Hideto, from day one, has shown his leadership and ability to perform in big games," Vaz said. "I love seeing his attitude every day in practice. He has improved a lot and has become a dynamic player that can perform in many positions. Georgia State is so lucky to have him."

Nakajima was also a First Team all-conference selection for the Tigers after scoring one goal and adding three assists out of the midfield.

"Shun is relentless in everything he does," Vaz said. "His resilience, along with his quality and respect for the game, has helped us achieve big things. I really hope to find players like Shun throughout my coaching career. I wish him the best at UMass Lowell." 

Sekiguchi was another of seven First Team all-conference selections for the Cowley men's soccer team after recording two goals and three assists this past season.

"Yuki is a tremendous talent," Vaz said. "We were lucky to have him for a year, and I am proud of everything he has accomplished. Tulsa will get a top player, and I can't wait to see how he will perform at the next level."