All-American Botello strikes again

By Sarah Holden | St. Mary's Athletics Communications
 
SAN ANTONIO – For the first time in 20 years, the St. Mary's Men's Soccer program has been graced by an All-American. 
 
Senior striker Pato Botello Faz was voted to the 2018 Division II Commissioners Association Men's Soccer All-America Second Team the organization announced Wednesday.  
 
"This award means a lot to me," said Botello. "Not everyone gets to say that they are an All-American, so I feel very blessed."
 
Botello joins an elite group of Rattler alumni, as the fourth from the university's men's soccer program to earn the All-American honor. Marty Buckley (1982), Que Willis (1997) and Ahn Tran (1997) all share the title. Botello is the first Rattler to receive the honor in 20 years.
 
But in 2018, some say the competition has gotten stiffer. 
 
"We as a coaching staff really decided to test our team this year by scheduling some very tough opponents in our non-conference schedule," said Head Coach Johnny Clifford. "The goal was to get the lads ready for our conference matchups, which are some of the top teams in the nation. Pato was a massive part of the success we had this year, especially in our victories against teams such as No. 8 ranked Colorado School of Mines."
 
Botello had two goals, and two assists in the upset over the School of Mines, and ended that week earning Heartland Conference Player of the Week. This was the kick-start to what would become a career-high season for the senior captain, who ultimately scored 18 goals and six assists over the course of 17 games.
 
The Monterrey, Mexico native went on to talk about the skill level he faced from opponents on the field this season. "This conference is very difficult. It's obviously one of the top conferences in the nation because of the teams that compete in it. We also faced teams in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), which is also a top conference with great players, so the entire year we've faced top competition which makes it very fun and competitive."
 
This year, four players from the Heartland Conference, and three players from the RMAC were nominated between the three All-America teams.
 
The commission, which is composed of Sports Information Directors from NCAA Division II schools, granted 39 athletes the honor this year. Throughout this year's three All-America teams, 29 different universities are represented. Athletes who earn First Team All-Region nominations are eligible picks. The All-America program was started in 2006, making this the 13th year that teams have been selected.
 
Botello will finish his degree in exercise and sport science this spring. After graduation he plans on pursuing a professional soccer career.