This past Thursday, it was announced that Jony Muñoz was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year for men’s soccer. The Liberty soccer commit is the first Flame to ever win the award. The news, however, came as a surprise for Muñoz. 

“I was very shocked, my Dad and coach told me that I was going to redo a signing video that my school was making for athletes signing with colleges,” Muñoz explained, so when I saw all of the cameras and people (and received the news), I was so shook. 

For Muñoz, choosing Liberty was an easy decision. 

“I know Kelly Findley (Liberty’s soccer coach), and we have a very good relationship. When I came on my visit [to Liberty], after having prayed a lot, it was very clear to me that I not only would grow as a soccer player, but as a person, and best of all in my faith and relationship with God.” Muñoz said. It was a no-brainer to be honest.”

Muñoz believes that he will be able to make an impact on the collegiate level, particularly with the creativity aspect of his game. 

“I really try to have fun when I’m playing,” Muñoz said. “The creative attacking component of my game is what I think will definitely have the most impact.”

Muñoz has an uncanny scoring ability. As a senior in high school, the Kansas native scored an insane 36 goals, while dishing out 11 assists. His goal scoring ability will be huge for the Flames, who only managed 14 goals as a team last season. 

Muñoz has high aspirations for his new team as his career as a Flame begins in the 2020 season. 

“I would definitely like to see Liberty soccer have national recognition by the time I leave. Muñoz said. I one-hundred percent want it to be known that Liberty University Soccer can be one of the best, if not the best in the country, and that Liberty will be up there on the rankings every year.”