Wiley trio claim Week 6 HBCUAC Men's Soccer Weekly Honors

NEW ORLEANS - October 6, 2025 - Wiley University's Alejandro Barcena wins Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Offensive Player and Freshman of the Week. Kevin Nievas garners Defensive Player of the Week. Ian Hernandez takes home Newcomer of the Week. The athletes were honored for their performance between September 29-October 5, the conference announced on Monday.

Barcena scored his first two career goals in the first half to pace the Wildcats' 4-0 victory over Paul Quinn College in their HBCUAC opener. He scored off a rebound in the 33rd minute. Three minutes later, he scored on a pass from Salvador Vazquez. All three of Barcena's shots were on goal.

Nievas held the Tigers scoreless for nearly 67 minutes, making one save. He was pulled to give senior goalkeeper Melvin Bonilla playing time in his senior day game. He ranks second in the conference with a 1.99 goals against average and tied for second with 19 saves. This is Nievas fifth honor.

Hernandez recorded his second assist on a corner kick. He passed to Anthony Ulloa who perfectly placed the ball in the right side of the net, which increased Wiley's lead to three. Hernandez was tied for fourth in the conference in assists. This was Hernandez's second award.

2025 HBCUAC Men's Soccer Players of the Week

About the HBCU Athletic Conference
The HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) is the only HBCU conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The HBCUAC membership includes Dillard University (LA), Fisk University (TN), Huston-Tillotson University (TX), Oakwood University (AL), Paul Quinn College (TX), Philander Smith University (AR), Rust College (MS), Southern University at New Orleans (LA), Stillman College (AL), Talladega College (AL), Tougaloo College (MS), University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), Voorhees University (SC), Wilberforce University (OH), and Wiley University (TX). HBCUAC sponsors championships in men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's track and field, women's volleyball, softball, and baseball. In 2022, the HBCUAC secured the largest media rights deal in conference and NAIA history, signing a multimillion-dollar deal with Urban Edge Network. On July 1, 2024, the conference rebranded from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) to the HBCU Athletic Conference, marking a new era for the conference that embodies the makeup of its membership. For more information, visit hbcuac.org.