Hancock Men's Soccer Player Adrian Diaz Signs with Cal State L.A.

A two-time All-Conference selection, Allan Hancock College men's soccer player Adrian Diaz made his verbal commitment official on Wednesday in front of Hancock head coach Billy Vinnedge, teammates and friends. The Cabrillo High School graduate became the first Hancock men's soccer player in at least five years to sign with a four-year institution.

"My dream was always to make it to a university to get an education. Now that I get to play soccer too is a huge bonus because I love the game so much and can continue playing at the next level," said Diaz.

Diaz was the leading goal scorer for the Bulldogs the last two seasons. He scored nine goals and had three assists and scored All-Western State Conference First Team honors as a freshman. Diaz tallied six goals, which tied for the team lead, as a sophomore. He recorded a hat-trick with three first half goals against Glendale Community College.

 "I'm really thankful to the Hancock because it opened up this window that I now have to play with Cal State L.A.," said Diaz. "I want to thank coach Billy because he put in a lot of work to expose me to universities and helping me earn this great opportunity."

Cal State L.A. is coming off a 12-5-3 season that included its fifth straight trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs. Over the last five years, the Golden Eagles have won two West Region Championships, two California Collegiate Athletic Association titles and finished with the conference's best record three times. They have posted 10 straight winning seasons, which is the longest stretch in the program's history.

Diaz plans to major in kinesiology at Cal State L.A. and one day become a physical therapist or athletic trainer.