Junior midfielder Hector Gomez (Columbus/St. Francis DeSales) of the Ohio Wesleyan men's soccer team has emerged as an All-American on a team that advanced to the final 16 in 2019. Gomez possesses an impressive record during just two years of playing for the Bishops.

In 2018, he won North Coast Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year honors, and was a second-team All-NCAC and third-team All-Ohio selection as a midfielder. Gomez played in all 19 games and started 18.

Gomez won third-team All-America and first-team All-Great Lakes Region honors in 2019 as well as NCAC Midfielder of the Year laurels and was a first-team All-NCAC selection. He started all 24 games as well.

He also tied for 20th in NCAA Division III in assists (11), and 7 of his assists set up game-winning goals.

"Ohio Wesleyan seemed like the right fit for me," said Gomez. "I came from a small private school and OWU offers the opportunity to get to know your classmates on a personal level and to go out and have fun with friends."

Gomez credits his success to his coaches and teammates. He understands that his coaches want what is best for the team. Trusting in their guidance and making sure he does all the little things that they advise during practices and games has helped lead to his success.

"Becoming more vocal and demanding the best from my teammates has allowed me to grow into a leadership role," said Gomez.

Although there is no fall 2020 season, the team has still been practicing and preparing during this time for competition in 2021.

"I have tried my best during the fall to lead our team and make sure we are getting better now for next year," said Gomez.

Gomez is looking forward to getting better on and off the field and hopes that the team is able to grow and realize the great potential they have to go very far in the next season.

Head coach Jay Martin recognizes that Gomez is a fitter, stronger player who has improved his technique and understanding of the game during his time at OWU.

"He is the team leader," said Martin. "Sometimes when you are a good player, you do not want to lead, but he started leading halfway through last season."

Martin believes that acting as the team leader has actually helped Gomez's play on the field because he knows he has to be the hardest-working player on the field.

"He wants to be the best he can be," said Martin. "That is his motivation and he seeks out ways to improve every day."

Martin is disappointed about the 2020 season for the whole team, but he said specifically for Hector.  

"He worked very hard in the summer and he came back the fittest he has ever been," said Martin. "He was ready to attack soccer and next year he will be one of the best in DIII."