July 22, 2010
Texas A&M International University’s men’s soccer program achieved a lot of success in its four seasons as a NAIA member of the Red River Athletic Conference. Playing a huge role in that success was Laredo soccer icon and J.W. Nixon High School graduate Daniel Hermosillo.
Hermosillo and his teammates finished with a 9-8-2 overall record and fourth place finish in the RRAC standings in 2002, the inaugural season for TAMIU Athletics. The Dustdevils then won consecutive RRAC Tournament titles in 2004-05, advancing to the NAIA Region VI Championship game in 2005.
TAMIU posted a combined 15-1 record in RRAC play en route to winning two straight league titles. The Dustdevils recorded a 50-26-4 overall record in four seasons at the NAIA level before making the move to the NCAA ranks in 2006.
Hermosillo was an offensive dynamo during the NAIA years. He dominates the TAMIU record book as the school’s career leader in goals (83), assists (47) and total points (213). That points total ranks 15th on the NAIA all-time list.
Hermosillo piled up the honors during his career. He was a four-time, first team All-Red River Athletic honoree for the Dustdevils. He also earned RRAC Offensive Player of the Year three times and was a NAIA Honorable Mention All-American as a junior.
Like other former TAMIU volleyball standout Desiree Arredondo, Hermosillo has found his calling as a high school coach. He reveals in a recent interview that he thoroughly enjoys his career choice and aspires to pursue a master’s degree while continuing to coach and lead the young men in his charge.
What has been your career path since leaving TAMIU?
I am currently an employee of United Independent School District. I’m a Spanish teacher and a soccer coach at United High School, home of the mighty Longhorns. I have been working with the district since graduating from TAMIU in May 2006. I am planning to continue my education by seeking my new goal, which is a master’s degree. I really enjoy my career and I love my job.
What do you like best about coaching?
There are several things I like about coaching. One is helping student-athletes to improve not just on the soccer field but also in the classroom. Mostly, I like to motivate them to work harder and to achieve their own goals. When you see your student-athletes achieve their goals, it’s absolutely one of the best feelings as a coach and teacher. Another important aspect that I like about coaching is the positive influence you can create around student-athletes.
What aspect of your playing career prepared you for coaching?
First of all, I believe all my coaches that I had as a player helped me in some way to become a coach. Most of them taught me the most important aspects about the game and life, which are discipline, hard work, dedication, consistency, effectiveness, being a team player and passion. All of those aspects that I learned in my playing career and life have been definitely a great source for me to be a coach.
What was the highlight of your TAMIU soccer career?
As a team the highlight was winning back-to-back Red River Athletics Conference Championships. I will never forget winning the 2004 conference tournament over Northwood on penalty kicks on their field; it was a special moment for TAMIU and us as well.
What are your career aspirations?
Earn my master’s degree and continue to keep learning more about the game so that I can be prepared for any opportunity in the future. In addition, to keep supporting and helping more student-athletics improve not just in their game but also in life.
What is the most memorable soccer game you witnessed as a spectator?
As a television spectator, the most memorable soccer game I witnessed was the champion’s league semifinal between Chelsea and Barcelona in 2009. As a coach, the second round playoff game between Brownsville Pace High and our team United High School in 2010. As a fan in the stadium, the game between club Atlas and club Toluca in the Mexican league final’s at Jalisco Stadium in 1998. Finally, as a player the most memorable game I witnessed and participated in was when TAMIU played Oklahoma Christian University in 2004. We were down 4-0 and in 20 minutes came back to win 5-4.
Do you still play soccer?
Yes, I still play in the soccer leagues here in town. I don’t think I will stop playing soccer unless I get injured or my body doesn’t respond anymore.
Anything you would like people to know about your life or future plans?
When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to play basketball, soccer, and as a kicker of the football team. Also, I had the good fortune to play with Laredo Heat soccer team for two years and with Laredo Lobos as a kicker in arena football. I want to thank family for supporting me in the amazing career I accomplished as a professional, student, and athlete. Finally, I want to thank all of my coaches, teammates and friends who in some way help me to be part of my life.
Daniel Hermosillo Facts
Born: Guadalajara, Jalisco México
High School: J.W. Nixon High School.
Bachelor’s Degree: B.A. in Spanish with a minor in geography.
Parents: Juan Antonio Hermosillo and Alma Delia Hermosillo.
