Las Positas College soccer star Saul Tecle (center) was named the United Soccer Coaches’ Junior College Division III National Player of the Year. (Photo by Bryn Power Photography / courtesy LPC)Las Positas College freshman forward Saul Tecle rounded out perhaps the best season ever for a Hawks soccer player by recently winning the United Soccer Coaches’ Junior College Division III National Player of the Year award. When you donate to keep journalism local, your gift will be doubled. Every dollar you contribute will be matched up to $5,000. This incredible matching opportunity helps us continue our work in bringing critical local news to your community. It strengthens our ability to report on the issues that matter most to you. Announcing the honor two weeks ago, leaders at the community college in Livermore lauded Tecle’s accomplishments during the 2024 season, which included finishing second in the nation and tied for first in California for goals scored with 27 and helping lead LPC to an upset of the No. 1 seed en route to its deepest-ever run in the 3C2A playoffs.“Saul’s success is a testament to his relentless drive, incredible skill and team-first mentality,” said Andrew Cumbo, LPC assistant athletic director and coach of the men’s and women’s soccer teams.“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,” Cumbo added in his statement released by the school Dec. 19.Originally from Frankfurt, Germany and a graduate of Catawba Ridge High School in South Carolina, Tecle also had ties to the local Ballistic United Soccer Club before his standout first season with Las Positas. “We’re proud to have had the experience watching him learn and grow into an incredible player,” BUSC officials said in a Facebook post celebrating his national award. Tecle’s other individual honors included Coast Conference North Forward of the Year, 1st Team All-Conference, 3C2A All-North Region Team, 3C2A All-State Team, 1st Team All-West Region and 1st Team All-America Team.Led by Tecle’s goal-scoring prowess, the Hawks (13-8-4) entered the 3C2A tournament seeded 17th and beat No. 16 seed San Joaquin Delta 5-1 in the opener. They then upset top-seeded Evergreen Valley 2-0 before their season came to an end in the third round of the NorCal Regionals. “This is a momentous achievement not only for Saul but for our entire athletics program at Las Positas College,” LPC President Dyrell Foster said in a statement. “His hard work, dedication and exceptional talent have elevated the Hawks and set a new benchmark for student-athletes across our campus.” Most Popular

Las Positas College soccer star named National Player of the Year

Las Positas College soccer star Saul Tecle (center) was named the United Soccer Coaches’ Junior College Division III National Player of the Year. (Photo by Bryn Power Photography / courtesy LPC) Las Positas College freshman forward Saul Tecle rounded out perhaps the best season ever for a Hawks soccer player by recently winning the United […]

Las Positas College freshman forward Saul Tecle rounded out perhaps the best season ever for a Hawks soccer player by recently winning the United Soccer Coaches’ Junior College Division III National Player of the Year award.

“Saul’s success is a testament to his relentless drive, incredible skill and team-first mentality,” said Andrew Cumbo, LPC assistant athletic director and coach of the men’s and women’s soccer teams.

When you donate to keep journalism local, your gift will be doubled. Every dollar you contribute will be matched up to ,000. This incredible matching opportunity helps us continue our work in bringing critical local news to your community. It strengthens our ability to report on the issues that matter most to you.Announcing the honor two weeks ago, leaders at the community college in Livermore lauded Tecle’s accomplishments during the 2024 season, which included finishing second in the nation and tied for first in California for goals scored with 27 and helping lead LPC to an upset of the No. 1 seed en route to its deepest-ever run in the 3C2A playoffs.Led by Tecle’s goal-scoring prowess, the Hawks (13-8-4) entered the 3C2A tournament seeded 17th and beat No. 16 seed San Joaquin Delta 5-1 in the opener. They then upset top-seeded Evergreen Valley 2-0 before their season came to an end in the third round of the NorCal Regionals. Tecle’s other individual honors included Coast Conference North Forward of the Year, 1st Team All-Conference, 3C2A All-North Region Team, 3C2A All-State Team, 1st Team All-West Region and 1st Team All-America Team.

“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,” Cumbo added in his statement released by the school Dec. 19.Originally from Frankfurt, Germany and a graduate of Catawba Ridge High School in South Carolina, Tecle also had ties to the local Ballistic United Soccer Club before his standout first season with Las Positas. “We’re proud to have had the experience watching him learn and grow into an incredible player,” BUSC officials said in a Facebook post celebrating his national award.“This is a momentous achievement not only for Saul but for our entire athletics program at Las Positas College,” LPC President Dyrell Foster said in a statement. “His hard work, dedication and exceptional talent have elevated the Hawks and set a new benchmark for student-athletes across our campus.”