TAMIU Annual Report 2019

2019 Annual Report / AWORLDOF DIFFERENCE Athletics/ DIFFERENCE 16 For thefirst time inprogramhistory, the TAMIUmen's soccer team participated in theNCAADivision IIMen's Soccer Championship in 2019. TheDustdevils earned an at-large bid as the ninth-seed and compiled amemorable 12-win season thatwas highlightedby a 1-0 victory over West Texas A&MUniversity in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Lone Star Conference Championship that was hosted by TAMIU. A total of five Dustdevils earned 2019All-Lone Star Conference laurels includingfirst teamhonorees, freshman forwardNadavDatner and seniormidfielder Ruben Nielsen. Datner was named Lone Star Conference Freshman of the Year and Lone Star Conference Forward of the Year and Nielsen garnered Lone Star Conference All- Academic teamhonors andwas selected to the 2019Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) All-South Central Region First-Team. Dustdevil Soccer Makes History Dustdevils Help Voz de Niños Christmas came a little earlier than expected for a local group of children in need. Nearly 200 toys were collected as part of the 6th Annual Voz De Niños Christmas Toy Drive. Organized through the University’sDustdevil AthleticsDepartment, over 40 children received several presents and gift cards. Students, staff, faculty, and alumni donated toys for both boys and girls ranging from two to 12 years of age. TAMIUAthletics also teamedupwithCampusDining Services to offer discounted items at dining locations on campus, with proceeds benefiting the ToyDrive. In January, VozDeNiñoswill attend aMen’s basketball game and visit with student-athletes. VozDeNiños helps advocate for foster children living inWebbCounty through the training and support of CASAvolunteers, or court-appointed special advocates. CASA volunteers assist in child welfare cases and advocate for their current and future needs.