N.M. Player-of-the-Year Set to Join Tigers

SAN ANTONIO – Darren McAfee of Albuquerque, N.M., the Gatorade New Mexico Boys Soccer Player of the Year, will become a member of the Trinity University Tigers men’s soccer team in August.

McAfee, a midfielder at Albuquerque Academy, received the award from the Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPN RISE. The award honors athletic and academic excellence.

He is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year award, to be announced in May.

The 5-foot-11, 165-pound McAfee accounted for 29 goals and 23 assists last season, leading the Chargers to the Class 4A state semifinals. McAfee, the Class 4A Player of the Year, is a two-time First Team All-State honoree. As the leading scorer in Class 4A last season, McAfee concluded his high school career with 64 goals and 49 assists.

In addition to his many honors on the field, McAfee has maintained a high GPA in the classroom, and has been an active member in his community. He has volunteered locally on behalf of the Ronald McDonald House Charity and a food bank, in addition to donating his time as a youth camp counselor. A talented artist, McAfee qualified for a national Scholastic Art Award in pencil drawing.

He will join one of the best collegiate soccer programs in the nation, led by 19th-year head coach Paul McGinlay (318-57-22, .829). He ranks No. 2 in winning percentage among active NCAA Division III coaches.

"We are so excited to secure the services of Darren McAfee at Trinity for the next four years," said Coach McGinlay. "He is an outstanding student athlete who is both talented and versitile. I believe we have added a big impact player to our roster and I am thrilled that he chose Trinity University over some other outstanding options."

In 2003, the Tigers captured the NCAA Division III national championship.

Trinity has also been national runner-up, and has made 13 appearances in the NCAA postseason tournament. The Tigers have captured 13 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships.


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