Ricardo Sotelo Santoyo Named MCC Soccer Coach of the Year

HERMISTON — Hermiston High School is proud to announce that Ricardo Sotelo Santoyo, a science teacher and alumnus of the school, has been named the Mid-Columbia Conference Soccer Coach of the Year. This accolade underscores his exceptional leadership and dedication both on the field and in the classroom.

Ricardo, a former varsity soccer player at Hermiston High School and goalkeeper at George Fox University has led the varsity team to impressive achievements this season. Under his guidance, the team secured a 10-9 overall record and finished 4th in the MCC. The team's offensive prowess was on full display, finishing with the third-highest goal tally in the league at 33. His effective coaching also helped five players earn spots on the All-Conference list. The team was the first seed in the District 8 tournament, hosted the district final, and proudly finished second, earning a qualification for the state competition.

Reflecting on his role, Coach Sotelo shares, "I really enjoy helping athletes work on their craft and unlock new skills. It’s not only about soccer but also about life skills. Coaching extends beyond training sessions. The lessons we learn on the field and as part of this program significantly shape our futures."

This season was particularly significant for Coach Sotelo as he had the privilege of coaching alongside his childhood friends and high school teammates, Juan Maldonado and Oscar Contreras, who are also Hermiston High School alumni. Coach Sotelo expresses his gratitude and acknowledges, "I am incredibly thankful for their hard work and dedication." Sotelo also extends his heartfelt appreciation to assistant coaches Gustavo Torres, Julio Sotelo, and Lalo Mejia, whose contributions were instrumental in the team's success.

"Larry Usher, Hermiston School District Athletic Director, shared his excitement about Coach Sotelo's recent accolade: 'We are always thrilled when one of our own is acknowledged by their peers. Seeing Ricardo excel in his inaugural year as head coach is particularly gratifying. His ability to make a significant impact in our league, guiding our team to notable successes, embodies the spirit and excellence we strive for at Hermiston."