Mendez, Grantham and Gonzalez named United Soccer Coaches players of distinction

Three Holmes Community College Bulldogs --- sophomore Andres Mendez of Grenada, sophomore Darrell Grantham of Pearl and freshman Matthew Gonzalez of Helena, Ala. --- have been named as College Player Award of Distinction recipients from the United Soccer Coaches.

The three helped lead the Bulldogs to the MACCC/Region XXIII Tournament's opening round but fell to Jones.

Awards were given to 325 women players and 184 men players across the NCAA, NAIA, NCCAA and NJCAA.

United Soccer Coaches is committed to extending opportunities for its college members to recognize their significant players and contributions to their programs. The new College Player Award of Distinction was established this spring for its member head coaches to submit deserving player based on one or more of the following criteria: Player has achieved quality performance on the field; Represented the highest ideals of team leadership; Exhibited quality character attributes including sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, officials and the game in general; and Made other significant contributions to the benefit of the program and the community.