Sophomore midfielder Austin Dobbs (Tyler) and freshman midfielder Luis Aceves (Madisonville) recently became the first players in Blinn College men's soccer history to sign with four-year universities.

Dobbs signed with LeTourneau University and Aceves signed with Southwestern Christian University.   

"I am excited for these two players because I know that they are going to go on and do great things," said Jorden Smith, Blinn head coach. "They played a pivotal role in laying the foundation of our program and are proof that if you work hard then there are bigger things to come." 

Dobbs played in 13 games for the Buccaneers this season, scoring one goal. As a freshman, he played for Jacksonville College.

"Dobbs played a leadership role for us and brought a lot of experience to the team," Smith said. "He was a captain for us and the kind of player who is a coach's dream."

LeTourneau finished last season with a 6-9-2 record and reached the American Southwest Conference Quarterfinals.

"It feels really good to be one of the first players in Blinn's men's soccer program to sign and I am excited about this great opportunity," Dobbs said. "I loved being on this team, playing on our field, and playing for our crowd, but am looking forward to moving on to the next level."

Aceves played in 10 games for Blinn this season.

"Aceves was a great, coachable player and it is exciting to see him go on to the next level," Smith said. "He is going to go above and beyond to be a great teammate like he was for us and he will be missed."

Southwestern Christian ended last season with a 19-4-1 record after earning its third straight NCCAA Division I Men's Soccer National Championship.

"This is a great opportunity and I am excited to play for a university because it is a big thing and a new challenge," Aceves said. "I loved playing at Blinn, getting to know my teammates and coaches, and coming together as family. The training was hard, but Blinn made me a better athlete, so I am happy to move forward and achieve great things."

Blinn finished the season with a 6-11 overall record and 5-9 conference record after making the playoffs in its inaugural season. The Buccaneers were eliminated in the first round of the NJCAA Region XIV Men's Soccer Championship Tournament by Laredo Community College.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 41 NJCAA national championships since 1987.