Both players were anchors for impressive playoff runs, both had incredible individual seasons, and ultimately, Pima College’s Jason Romero and Devyn Hunley were given the highest junior college honor for their achievements.
Romero was named an NJCAA men’s soccer Division I All-American last Thursday, while Hunley was named to the women’s second team.
The two chatted with the Daily Star on Tuesday about the success of their teams and their individual honors.
So often a player will have individual success or team success, but how important was it for you that your great season came during a great team effort?
Romero: “I’ve been on a lot of teams, played soccer for 15 years, and it’s a unique season when you have both. It’s rare to do what we did this year, and to be honest, there’s nothing like team success. Winning region, I’d take that over any individual award.”
People are also reading…
Hunley: “Soccer is a team sport so it was nice to be able to contribute to the team success. It was a whole team effort. It wasn’t just one good player. We were equally as talented, and that made me want to work that much harder.”
At what point this season — or during the offseason — did you realize you were prepared for big things this season?
Romero: “I knew it was going to be a good year. I put a lot of work in during the offseason. Playing PDL, preparing for this season. I knew something special was coming, I didn’t know it was going to be this special.”
Hunley: “It was during freshman year that I realized what an impact player I could be. I knew I could do big things.”
What was the biggest factor for your success this season?
Romero: “I was just hungry, man. I was hungry for success. At Yavapai, I fell short, and I feel like when I met with (Pima coach) Dave (Cosgrove) and Javy (assistant Javier Holguin), I felt like they believed in me, and they knew I could lead this team. They gave me a lot of motivation, and I knew I had to be the best player I could be. I worked my tail off.”
Hunley: “Definitely the competition the team. It made it difficult to maintain a top position on the team, and I had to work for it every day.”
How big of an impact does Kino Sports Complex play in the success of both programs?
Romero: “Hands down I believe we have the best facilities all year. It’s almost like we’re treated like professionals. I know what the atmosphere, the fields are like, and I’d put this one right up there. It helps a lot with preparation, and I feel like everyone is motivated to do well. We’re given everything to succeed.”
Hunley: “It’s awesome. It just shows they really care about our sport. It makes us want to play better, because they’re putting the effort in to put us in position to be an incredible team.”
