Enry Hernandez, a senior soccer player from Glen Cove, has been named an All-American Athlete by the United Soccer Coaches organization, highlighting his success as one of the nation’s top players.
Only 142 soccer players in the nation were awarded the title, and Hernandez stands out as one of 79 boys recognized.
Hernandez, who has been playing soccer since he was six years old, said the recognition “means the world” to him.
Hernandez was recognized as an All-American athlete at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Chicago on Jan. 11. He was one of two Nassau County students to be recognized by the organization, alongside Chaminade High School’s Blake Donahue.
“My passion for the sport has definitely grown and it keeps growing by the day,” he said.
Hernandez has played for the varsity team since his freshman year at the high school and has proven himself an asset during big matches. In the 2022 Nassau County championships, Hernandez helped secure the team’s championship title in the semi-final and final games.
Hernandez said those games are two of his favorite memories from his time playing in high school. During overtime in the semi-final game against Manhasset, Hernandez said he scored a goal, bringing Glen Cove to the championships.
Then, in the championship game against Garden City, Hernandez scored a goal for the team, helping them win 2-0.
“It’s been an honor these last four years to have this opportunity to coach Enry,” said the high school’s soccer coach, Brian Smith.
“I couldn’t have been more proud to be part of the process,” he said.
Hernandez was honored by the Glen Cove Board of Education on Jan. 8 for his All-American recognition.
Superintendent Maria Rianna said Hernandez is “recognized as one of the top players–not just in New York, not just in Glen Cove, not just on Long Island.”
Rianna said recognized players must be selected by their respective counties. Selected student-athletes then compete at the state and regional levels before being awarded the All-American title.
School officials said Hernandez is more than his achievements on the field
“Enry is also a fabulous person,” Rianna said. “Just a really nice, humble young man.”
“He’s a great kid,” Smith said. “He brings passion, and he brings a wealth of intelligence to the game.”
Smith said Hernandez has been a leader for the team and the school as a whole.
Hernandez said his support system in the community, including his dad and his coach, has helped him succeed.
He said his dad made the “right decision” to enroll him in a soccer team when he was younger and helped his soccer career throughout the years, whether that meant driving to and from Queens three times a week for practices or watching each game from the sidelines.
Hernandez said Smith, who is also his AP Environmental Science teacher, “took a chance” by bringing him onto the varsity team in his freshman year.
Alongside the support he receives from his dad and coach, Hernandez said the entire Glen Cove community has helped him throughout his soccer career.
“I’m so thankful for the Glen Cove because the people here are so supportive and friendly,” he said.
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