RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men's soccer program wrapped up a transitional 2025 campaign that emphasized growth, development, and long-term building as the program prepares to join the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) in 2026.
Playing as an independent this fall, the Vaqueros leaned heavily on young talent, intentional culture-building, and a versatile style of play that set the groundwork for the next phase of the program.
Head coach Bryheem Hancock described the year as a strategic investment in the program's future.
"This was a building season for us," Hancock said. "We made the decision to build the core of our group with younger players who can grow with us into the OVC."
With limited games and no conference schedule, UTRGV shifted its focus toward development. More than 60% of the roster consisted of freshmen and sophomores—a rare structure in a Division I landscape increasingly dominated by older, experienced players.
"The game has gotten older, so getting our young guys real minutes was huge," Hancock said. "Those younger players got a lot of game experience you typically don't get in college soccer anymore."
UTRGV experimented with lineups, rotations, and tactical variations, often placing players in new roles to accelerate their learning curve. The staff emphasized versatility, introducing multiple formations and preparing the team to face an array of playing styles.
"Our style of play changed a little bit," Hancock said. "We made it more diverse, more adaptable, and it improved our team IQ. Next season these guys will come in more comfortable, composed, and confident."
Junior Eduardo De Olivera was a bright spot for the team scoring five of the 11 goals this season for UTRGV while finishing with 10 points. In 10 games, De Olivera scored his five goals on just 13 shots, nine on goal.
The midfielder scored two of his goals versus Texas A&M International to help UTRGV pick up the first and only win of the season.
Another bright spot for the Vaqueros was junior Mouhamed Pouye, who played and started in all 10 matches. He helped lead the Vaqueros both on and off the field and setting the example by playing out of position when needed.
UTRGV faced off against Lindenwood (RV) and competed to a hard-fought draw. A sign of things to come for this young team looking to establish integrity.
A major priority entering the season was redefining and strengthening the team's identity.
"We recruited guys who wanted to be here because it means something to them," Hancock said. "The culture was built on new players who came in with a desire to make this a championship program."
Despite the challenges of independence, the Vaqueros' energy increased as the year progressed.
"Our guys have a new energy. Our staff has a new energy. We finally have something meaningful to play for," Hancock said. "We want to do something that's never happened in this program — win a championship. And I think the time is now."
As UTRGV transitions toward OVC competition, the program believes the pieces are in place for a breakthrough.
"We're fast-tracking this," Hancock said. "We believe we're building it the right way, and we believe we can win next season."
With a strengthened culture, a deep young core, and established leaders driving the group forward, the Vaqueros enter the next chapter with renewed purpose and championship ambition.
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