BROOKHAVEN — Enrique Hernandez is taking his soccer talents to Co-Lin Community College in Wesson next year. A senior at Brookhaven Academy, Hernandez was a captain this year and an integral part of the soccer team’s playoff run. He signed with the Wolfpack Tuesday morning. 

BA won its first district championship, clinched a home playoff game and beat St. Aloysius in the playoff game to advance to the state semifinals against St. Joe Madison. Hernadez said the comeback win over St. Al was his favorite memory of the season. 

He scored eight goals and assisted 10 goals this past season. You might remember Hernandez from a story this past fall where he wore a 30 pound weighted vest to train in. The work must have paid off as Co-Lin offers him a chance to further his soccer career. 

“It means a lot to sign today. I’m so happy about it. I have had to work hard and I will keep working hard,” Hernandez said. “My cousin (Yosvin Ramirez) is playing there. It is similar to BA’s program. I like their field too.” 

Co-Lin plays on a turf field where Brookhaven Academy had success this season. BA defeated Cathedral and Copiah Academy in must win games to advance to the postseason on the turf field. 

At Co-Lin, Herandez will study Mechanical engineering and hopes to own his own mechanic shop one day. He expects he will need his 30 pound vest to train for the college level and to play with bigger guys. 

“It will be different. Their level is high and I’ll have to work harder,” he said. “I know I’ll have to train hard. I’m going to miss my coach and teammates.”

BA Head Coach Alex Brown said Enrique was a “joy to coach,” and one of the “most technically gifted players,” he had ever coached. Hernandez was quick with his feet and decision making. He seemed to dance around the field and bewildered defenders with his play. 

A strong central midfielder, he used his body to shield the ball and win free kicks for his teammates to get up field into attacking positions. He left many games with a muddy and grass stained uniform. 

“He has phenomenal instincts and his ability to create chances getting forward is just a different class. I’ll miss his leadership and the standard he set for the young guys,” Brown said. “Co-Lin’s staff is going to love the engine he has. His work ethic is something you can’t teach. I’m proud of him and was lucky to get to coach him for two years.”