Starting off a new year always leads to new resolutions, and it is one such resolution that’s leading the way for Hernando Leopard Dillon Hoseclaw. Hoseclaw (Sr) has managed to work his way into the Leopards starting Soccer line up through hard work, grit and determination – something that has clearly resonated with Head Coach Jonathan Stone. “I think a fundamental philosophy of any good sporting program has to take into consideration that hard work and effort that each individual puts in. Dillon has come to us with very little soccer background but has worked hard and giving 100% effort even if his skill set isn’t top notch. A work ethic of getting it done, not giving up and fighting until the end has certainly helped him on his way this season”.
This was rewarded when Johnson University (Orlando) came calling. An open try out session the first weekend of this month had Hoseclaw heading to the campus where he went up against players from South Carolina and Alabama all hoping to stand out for new head Coach Brian Guex. The Johnson Suns had a 7-9 overall record behind the new head coach in his first season. Narrowly losing out in the NCCAA South Regional Tournament 6-4 back in October. A result that certainly wasn’t expected after The Suns had beaten them just 11 days prior in regular season play.
Hoseclaw however clearly stood out above others and was asked to join the Suns at the end of the 6 hour intensive try out. A feat that certainly wasn’t on the cards when Dillon came to the start of season tryouts for the Leopards, just hoping to play.
Next season will Dillon be lining up alongside players from Brazil and Venezuela? With many of the University side coming from out of state as well as Forward Marcos Espana hitting the field after graduating high school in Sao Paulo Brazil, it really could be an international line up for Hoseclaw in 2019.
