In the realm of collegiate soccer, Mere Escobar’s name is synonymous with excellence. Hailing from the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, Escobar has etched his name in the annals of Midwestern State University sports history, becoming the first MSU student-athlete to achieve National Player of the Year status. His journey to this pinnacle of success has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Standing at a modest 5-foot-9, Escobar’s stature belies his immense talent on the field. As a forward/midfielder for the Mustangs, he has dazzled fans and opponents alike with his crafty footwork and goal-scoring prowess. This season, Escobar emerged as the leading goal scorer in the Lone Star Conference (LSC), finding the back of the net 17 times and ranking fifth in the nation in goals scored.
But Escobar’s impact extends beyond mere goal-scoring. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates has been equally impressive, leading the conference and ranking seventh nationally with 13 assists. In total, Escobar amassed an impressive 47 points, finishing one point shy of the national leader.
His contributions to the MSU soccer program are reflected in the record books. With 44 goals, 24 assists and 112 points over three seasons, Escobar stands as the Division II leader in MSU history and sixth overall in career goals. He is also tied for second among players in the Division II era in career assists.
“It means a lot, and receiving these accolades is an honor,” Escobar said after winning the award, adding “I’ve put in a lot of work behind the scenes, and it’s paying off. There is always more work to be done; next year, we will return and aim to win the national title, which is our ultimate goal.”
Escobar’s achievements have not gone unnoticed by the soccer community. He has earned First-Team All-American honors, marking a significant milestone in his collegiate career. Additionally, his stellar performance has garnered him recognition on the United Soccer Coaches All-South Central Region team for the third consecutive year.
As Escobar continues to leave his mark on the soccer world, his legacy at MSU will be remembered for years to come. With each goal scored and record broken, he exemplifies the spirit of excellence and determination that defines the Mustangs’ soccer program. Escobar is not just a player, he is a symbol of inspiration and success, inspiring future generations of athletes to strive for greatness on and off the field.
Escobar wishes to continue playing soccer well after graduating and believes there is always more room for improvement.
“I plan to continue after graduation, so there is always more room for progress and more work,” Escobar said.
Escobar’s dedication to his craft extends far beyond the field. He is not only a remarkable athlete but also a dedicated student and leader in the community. His dedication to the community and to the athletic program at MSU was rewarded.
This year at the athletic banquet Escobar received the Marie Morgan award, an award that is given to the most outstanding student-athlete for their efforts on behalf of their team or the programs they are involved in and their involvement in the community. Throughout his time at MSU, Escobar has been actively involved in various outreach programs, using his platform to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Whether it is mentoring young aspiring soccer players or volunteering at local charities, Escobar remains committed to giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his journey. His humility and genuine passion for helping others has endeared him to fans both on and off the field.
As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his soccer career, he does so with a sense of gratitude and determination. With his unwavering work ethic and relentless drive for success, there is no doubt that Escobar will continue to make waves in the world of soccer for years to come.