November 1, 2022

DCTC Sophomore Soccer Players: Thanks for all you have done!

The coaching staff at DCTC would like to thank our sophomore soccer players for their hard
work and dedication to DCTC soccer. While it is not easy to play college soccer and keep up
your studies, these athletes have done a great job and should be congratulated for their
outstanding work in both the classroom and on the soccer field. It is with great honor that we
introduce the following members of the soccer team.
 
Dakota County Technical College Women's Soccer:
 
Molly Erickson:
 
 
Molly is majoring in Architectural Technology. She plans to start her career after DCTC. Molly's
favorite memory of soccer is having never played before and ending up having so much fun.
She also scored a goal in her second game of her life. Coach Obarski said, "Molly is a player that
never gives up. She has learned a lot over the past two years and become a solid defender."
 
Naydelin Villegas Mendoza:
 
 
Her major is Childhood Development. She plans on transferring to another school, but is unsure
where she will transfer to. She will continue to work with the Bloomington School District as
well. Her favorite memories are that she has made so many friendships within the program. She
said that everyone in the program has fun together, the women's team, men's team and the
coaches. Naydelin said, "We always have fun, on the bus, games and practices." Coach Obarski
said, "Naydelin has been a solid defender for the past two years, and has been able to ignite
the offense with her passing from the back."
 
Sydney Swanson:
 
 
Sydney is majoring in Early Childhood and Youth Development. Sydney is transferring to
Southwest Minnesota State to continue to get her Special Education Degree. Her favorite
memory for soccer was the overnight trips last season. Coach Obarski said, "Sydney has very
good ball skills and is able to find the person who is most dangerous on the field at all times.
Sydney is also very good on free kicks and corner kicks as she took most of the teams
attempts."
 
Molly Miller:
 
 
Molly is majoring in Individualized Studies, and has plans of going to St. Cloud State University to study
Psychology and Sociology. Her two favorite memories are beating Rochester 3-0 on their turf
after they beat us 3-0 the week before at home. She said the entire team played so hard to beat
them and it was a great accomplishment. This year, her favorite memory is having the Men's team
cheer on the Women's team at Alexandria, as the Women's team had 10 players and used the
Men's team cheering them on to win 3-1. Coach Obarski said, "Molly has been a steady player
for DCTC, she has led the team as a center back and also has spent time at center mid. She
always gives 100%."
 
Laurna Arends:
 
 
Laurna's major is Interior Design. She will be doing a second major at DCTC, Architecture Technology. Her goal
is to go into residential housing wanting to build homes that are more accessible. Laurna
said her memories are having fun with teammates and making good friendships. Coach Obarski
said, "Laurna has done an excellent job stepping into the goal keeper position this year. She is a
hard worker."
 
 
Dakota County Technical College Men's Soccer:
 
Logan Clendenen:
 
 
Logan is majoring in Business Management. Logan is undecided whether he will transfer to a
four-year school or go out into the workforce. His favorite memory of DCTC soccer is going
on overnight road trips during last season. Coach Obarski said, "Logan is an athlete who
gives 100% all the time. Logan was a very good forward, until half way through this year, as he
was moved back to an outside defender. Since moving back to defense, Logan has been
excellent."
 
Angel Ortiz:
 
 
Angel is majoring in Heavy Construction Equipment. Angel plans on working for Waste
Management as HCEM and possibly driving semi-trucks for them. His favorite soccer memory is scoring three goals against Alexandria and also being part of the DCTC soccer team, as it
was like a family to him and he will never forget that. Coach Obarski said, "Angel is a quiet
leader, he demonstrates his leadership by always working hard, listening and doing what the
coaches have asked. Angel is team player and is able to take on several different roles on the
field."
 
Jarred Van Horn:
 
 
Jarred is majoring in Architectural Technology. His plans after DCTC are to develop a start-up
construction material distribution company and continue to develop a non-profit that will help
kids who have been abused. His favorite soccer memory is when Angel scored a hat trick
against Alexandria. Coach Obarski said, "Jarred is an extremely hard worker on the soccer field.
Jarred is a non-stop player, who always gives 100%. He is a very coachable player as well, which
has allowed him to play both in the midfield and forward positions this year."
 
Cole Ayres:
 
 
Cole is majoring in Exercise and Sports Science. He is transferring to Minnesota State Mankato
to work on his Bachelor's Degree. His favorite memory for soccer was staying in hotels on the
overnights last season. Coach Obarski said, "Cole is a hard worker and always gives forth his
best. Cole can play several positions on the field and is very coachable."
 
Prince Akonkoh:
 
Prince is majoring in Business Management. He plans on transferring to a four-year university
to further his studies. His favorite memory is traveling on the bus with his teammates. Coach Obarski
said, "Prince is a leader on the team. He plays in the central part of the field and looks to find
his teammates. Prince can play a physical style of play when needed."
 
Oscar Sanchez:
 
 
Oscar's major is Business Management. He plans to start his own business after DCTC. His
favorite memories are the road trips. Coach Obarski said, "Oscar has developed into a very
dangerous player on the field. He has the ability to change the point of direction on the field to
create chances for his teammates and can create on his own as well."
 
Miguel Castillo: 
 
Miguel is majoring in Business Administration and plans on transferring to another college after
DCTC. His favorite memory is the bus ride back from Alexandria this year. Coach Obarski said,
"Miguel is a true center forward. He can hold the ball while others around him make runs.
Miguel also has the ability to score goals as he is a good shooter."