Hall of Fame
Soccer star Ricky Herrera's legend grew larger in the American Southwest Conference championship match in the fall of 2003. Trailing 1-0 in the second half, Herrera scored the equalizer in the 70th minute to give Ozarks the momentum. Ozarks would eventually score the game-winning goal to capture the ASC title and propel the team into the NCAA Tournament. His goal would be one of a record-setting 54 he scored in an Ozarks' uniform. He is the conference's all-time leader in goals, and ranks third at Ozarks in career points (128) and fifth in career assists (20). In 83 career matches, he accumulated 205 shots, third most in school history. In addition, he is the program leader in career game-winning goals (14). He was a four-time ASC All-East Division First Team pick and a three-time All-ASC selection. He earned All-Region status from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in 2002 and 2003. His other conference-wide awards included ASC East Division Preseason Player of the Year (2002) and ASC Offensive Freshman of the Year (2000). Twice, he was selected to the Academic All-District Team, and three times, he was on the ASC All-Academic Team. Herrera was part of four post-season teams. A native of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Herrera serves a sergeant with the State Police in New Mexico. He and his wife Leslie are the parents of three children and reside in Las Cruces.
