Former Marshalltown Community College soccer players Juan Carrillo (Cordoba, Spain/CES Lope de Vega) and Celes Vilar (Las Palmas, Spain/San Antonio Maria Claret) have committed to Queens University to continue their collegiate soccer careers.
Quuens, located in Charlotte, NC is an NCAA Division II school and a member of the South Atlantic Conference. The Royals won the SAC Championship and advanced to the NCAA National Tournament in 2013.
Carrillo left his mark at MCC as one of the top players in program history. A two-time NJCAA All-American, Carrillo finished his career as the top career and single-season assist leader in the Tiger record book. Carrillo also ranks third all-time with 85 career points and his 28 career goals rank fourth.
"Queens has everything I need to continue to be successful," said Carrillo. "It's a very good location and has a great level for both academics and athletics. It's a smaller-sized school so I know they will treat me with affection and we can work together as a family."
Carrillo was thankful for his time spent at MCC. "I came to the United States with a very low level of English. After two years at Marshalltown, I have grown both physically and mentally. The people at Marshalltown, especially coach Martinez and Connie Gardalen were always close to me for help. My teammates, classmates, and professors all provided me with experiences I will never forget."
Vilar, along with Carrillo, was named a captain for the 2014 season. Vilar played a primary role in the central midfield for the Tigers throughout his career. As a sophomore he scored 19 points, second-most on the team. Vilar joined Carrillo on the NJCAA Division I All-East Region Team.
"I can only hope that things go as well at Queens as they did at Marshalltown," Vilar exclaimed. "All of my professors, my counselor Connie Gardalen, were all very helpful in my time as a Tiger. Coach Martinez is a great coach that gave me all of the confidence and time I needed to succeed. Also, thanks to all of my teammates who I will continue to hold close relationships with."
Both players noted the decision of each other was a central factor in determining their destination. "I love playing on the same team as Celes," Carrillo stated. "He is such a great player and a very good friend of mine."
