Celebrating Excellence on the Field
Union City High School and Middle School soccer teams concluded their 2026 seasons with postseason awards banquets that brought together players, coaches and families to honor a year of growth and competition.
High school coach Travis VanHooser and middle school coach Jason Deem presented the honors, highlighting the dedication of their squads and the community’s support throughout the campaign.
High School Honors
Alex Landeros was named Team MVP for Union City High School, while KhaZarion Scates earned Offensive Player of the Year and Luis Maldonado received Defensive Player of the Year. Additional recognitions went to Bryce Daniels, Alessandro Rosas, Silverio Acevedo, Jeremy Martinez, Alijah Simpson, Wrigley Harder, Cole Gurley and Brandt Huffstutter, each celebrated for their contributions on the pitch.
The banquet served not only as a celebration but also as a reminder of the team’s resilience, with coaches emphasizing the lessons learned and the bright futures ahead for each awardee.
Middle School Celebration
The middle school team gathered at Snappy’s for its own banquet, where Ryelee Byars captured the Team Player Award, Luis Escobar was named Best Offensive Player, Walker Gray earned Most Valuable Player, Michael Vallee received Best Defensive Player, Linden Hayslett was recognized as Most Improved Player, and Alan Martinez took home the Top Scorer Award.
These accolades reflect the depth of talent across both programs and the strong culture of sportsmanship that defines Union City soccer.
As the community looks forward to the next season, the awards banquet stands as a testament to the hard work of players, the guidance of coaches, and the unwavering support of families and fans alike.