Fernando Gutierrez (Ibiza, Spain/I.E.S. Algarb) of the Marshalltown Community College men's soccer program has signed a National Letter of Intent to join Queens University next season, joining teammate Pedro Oliveira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil/Colegio Estadual) on the Royals' roster.
A two-time NSCAA Second-Team All-American, Gutierrez cemented his legacy as a MCC Tiger by leading the team to back-to-back Region XI Championship game appearances as a defender. During his two years at MCC, Gutierrez and the Tigers won a combined 33 games while appearing in every national ranking.
Queens, a NCAA Division II program located in Charlotte, NC has been the home of former Tigers throughout the years. Celes Vilar (2013-14) recently concluded his playing career for the Royals this season while Juan Carrillo (2013-14) and Alberto Morales (2015) will appear on the roster next season with Gutierrez and Oliveira.
"I'm excited to share the field and bring our experience from MCC together," Gutierrez exclaimed regarding his future with former Tigers. "The soccer program is amazing at Queens. The facilities, and the awesome academic programs made it hard to turn down the offer. I'm excited to start next season."
Gutierrez excelled both on the field and in the classroom at MCC, earning consecutive All-Region XI First-Team and Academic All-Region XI First-Team honors.
"Coming to Marshalltown was one of the best decisions in my life," Gutierrez added. "If I had the opportunity to do it again, I would. I wish I could play two more years here. The entire faculty, the staff, my teammates, everyone has been great Marshalltown. I fell in love with MCC, it is a wonderful place."
MCC head coach Rafael Martinez is proud to see another member of his program continue their career at a four-year institution. Martinez expressed his excitement regarding both Gutierrez and Oliveira continuing their career at Queens.
"The success that both Pedro and Fernando have had at MCC is another example of how Marshalltown can be a great platform for many student-athletes who, otherwise, may not have had the opportunity to reach their dream of coming to the United States to get a quality education while competing at the sport they love. Both Fernando and Pedro came with low level of English proficiency and due to their hard work and the support and encouragement of many people at MCC, they are now full adjusted to life in the US, have the academic foundation needed to continue their careers at a quality institution like Queens, and have had plenty of individual recognition through their efforts on the soccer field."
"Fernando acted like a captain since day one, although he started wearing the arm band his sophomore year," Martinez continued. "His character, loyalty, and positive leadership were key components to our success as a team. I know that he has also been a constant source of advice and guidance to many younger players, so his impact goes beyond what is seen. Overall, I am extremely happy of what these student-athletes are accomplishing through their hard work, and I am confident that their time at Queens will be full of success both on and off the field."
Gutierrez, who graduated from MCC, intends to study physical education at Queens.
