The Texas Wesleyan University men’s soccer team broke into the national rankings for the first time in history on Sept. 15.
The Rams ended up as No. 24 in the NAIA Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Top 25 Poll.
The Rams kicked off the year with the best start in the program’s history and tied the school record for the longest winning streak at 6-0.
“The team deserved the record for a six game winning streak and to be nationally ranked,” Head Coach Josh Gibbs said. “They put in all the work and deserved the results.”
The Rams moved to No. 24 in the coaches’ polls—the first ranking in the history of Texas Wesleyan Men’s Soccer—after only receiving votes but no making the rankings the previous week. The Rams totaled 157 votes through games played Sept. 13. The poll was voted on by a panel of head coaches representing each conference, independents and unaffiliated groups.
Gibbs calls this squad the most committed team since his arrival in 2006. “All the credit goes to the players,” he said. “With injuries, changes in lineups and alternation between two exceptional goalkeepers, the team adjusted and accepted what needed to be done.”
After defeating then sixth-ranked Oklahoma City University 2-1 on Sept. 8 and Bethany College 1-0 on Sept. 11, the men tied the school record for the longest winning streak at 6-0 with the 1993 squad. “I am grateful to be a part of a team with such great players that are working hard toward the same goal—to win a championship,” said Senior Forward Theo Nabassi. “With our determination, I think we will continue to accomplish great things.”
Texas Wesleyan becomes the 122nd school in the nation to be ranked in the Top 25 since 2000.
“It’s a good achievement to be noticed and ranked in the country, but we’re not satisfied,” said Senior Midfielder John Kuethe. “We’re motivated to go for more and achieve greatness throughout our entire season.”
Booting Kentucky’s University of the Cumberlands to No. 25, the Rams trailed 23rd-ranked Bellevue University. With 650 votes, Bethel University of Tennessee was at No. 1.
The Rams are looking to carry on with record-breaking success by focusing on one game at a time and continuing to push forward. “This is special for the entire team,” said the goalkeeper and captain, senior Toby Rochau. “I hope that this early ranking will drive us to reach our overall goal of going to the national tournament in November.”
This year, with 19 returners, the team holds a different mentality and a new outlook on life. “They decided to work hard and believe in each other,” Gibbs said. “We are seeing the benefits of that.” With an overall record of 8-6-2 last season, the Rams are off to a great start this year with a record of 7-2-0.
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