Mingus senior Jovany Garcia has always aspired to take his soccer talents to the next level and last week was one step closer.
On Thursday, May 16, Garcia signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Arizona Christian University.
“I started playing soccer when I was 5 and I am very thankful for everyone that has helped me get to this day,” Garcia said. “My coaches, my family and my friends helped me throughout this journey and I appreciate their support.”
Last year, Garcia helped lead the Marauders through a 6-6-1 season. He also earned All-Grand Canyon second team recognition in 2018.
Garcia is coming off a senior season in which he earned first team All-Grand Canyon Region honors.
“I chose ACU because I wanted to major in criminal justice,” Garcia said. “My friend and teammate Isaac Sanchez is also playing soccer at ACU, so I wanted to attend a school with someone I knew.”
Sanchez signed a letter of intent with ACU on Dec. 21.
“Playing with Issac was one of my biggest factors for signing with ACU, along with playing on a good team,” Garcia said. “We are both going to put in a good word for our friends while we are down there.”
ACU is one of only two four-year programs in Arizona that offer boys soccer at the collegiate level.
“Jovany has been pursuing this opportunity for a long time and it is amazing to see it pay off,” Mingus coach Luis Hernandez said. “Jovany was a four-year varsity player who could control the game from his midfield spot.”
“He has shown great leadership qualities both on and off the field.”
ACU went 15-5-2 last season en route to a NAIA national tournament appearance.
“That school is growing extremely fast and Jovanny has a lot of potential and skills to fit that program,” Hernandez said. “ACU is looking for a midfielder with good touch and Jovany possesses that skill.”
Hernandez has known Garcia since he was a child and has seen him transition into the man he is today.
“I have known Jovany my whole life and he is overcome numerous ups and downs,” Hernandez said. “Somehow he manages to stay on top of things.”
Garcia led the Marauders with 10 assists and recorded two three-assist games this season.
“He was our top playmaker this season and played a crucial role in our victories over Saguargo and Lee Williams,” Hernandez said.
While many footballers possess a score-first mentality, Garcia is all about creating for others.
“Assisting others on the field is my favorite aspect of soccer,” Garcia said. “I am more of playmaker on the field who puts passes towards the goal.”
“My idol is Ronaldinho [de Assis Moreira] because I was always a fan of his playing style,” he said.
For Garcia, his senior season was littered with high points on the pitch.
“There were tons of moments, beating Lee Williams to advance to the playoffs was a highlight,” Garcia said. “It was a win-or-go-home game and we were able to pull through.”
Garcia’s career-high came on Saturday, Jan. 1, when he recorded two goals in a 3-3 tie against Mohave High School.
“He is a very intelligent player with a great work ethic,” Hernandez said. “I do not know which position
he will play but I know he will give it his all to that school.”
Garcia lettered on the Marauders varsity team in each of his four seasons and earned captain status during his senior year.
“This is what I wanted, hopefully I can make it to the next level and play professionally or semi-pro,” Garcia said.
