The Gonzaga soccer program recently held its soccer banquet on Thursday, March 14 to celebrate its greatest season in history. The team went 25-0-1 undefeated, beating teams from all across the country, including St. John’s twice. As a result, the team is going into the athletic Hall of Fame, a well-deserved recognition for their outstanding achievements.
The season was not without challenges, as the team faced a setback when they had to play Marquette in the Jesuit Classic without their key midfielder, Leo Costa, senior. However, the team rose to the challenge, and some underclassmen stepped up to make an impact. Sophomore Thomas Gabay was one of these athletes who scored, marking a turning point for the team where they realized they could really go undefeated.
In addition to the team’s success on the field, several players are also heading to college next year to continue their soccer careers. Senior Colin Prendergast will be playing for George Washington University, while Axel Chicas, senior, is committed to Howard University. Drew Hartman is also playing in college next year at the University of Portland Oregon even though he was not on the Gonzaga team this year. Another Gonzaga student who recently left, Oliver Weng, is playing professionally with Crown Legacy FC. We know that through Gonzaga’s strong academic and athletic prowess, players are prepared for the next level of competition.
Looking ahead to next season, the team will have new varsity captains, Ivan Hughes and Gabay, Sophomores, and Daniel Bollman, junior. As first-time captains and returning players, they will undoubtedly be focused on continuing the legacy of the team next year.
“Although we are losing around 18 seniors this year, we are leaving behind a strong team of underclassmen who can potentially get us another championship,” said Colin Prendergast, senior.
Overall, the Gonzaga Soccer program had a remarkable season, achieving an undefeated record and earning a place in the Athletic Hall of Fame. The team’s dedication and passion for soccer proved to be a success. They demonstrated their commitment to excellence both on and off the field.