Kevin Velasquez-Mejia: The Cyclones’ Fearless Goalie and Two-Time Defensive Player of the Week

Kevin Velasquez-Mejia, a junior exercise science major from New Brunswick, NJ, is the goalkeeper for the Centenary University men’s soccer team. As a sophomore during the 2023 season, he recorded 84 saves and started in 14 games for the Cyclones. This season, Velasquez-Mejia was twice named Defensive Player of the Week in the Atlantic East Conference, first on September 3, 2024, and again on September 23. The award is given out weekly. Velasquez-Mejia has been gaining recognition from his peers, and opposing teams have started to show respect for the Cyclone’s name. 

Fresh off his recent honors, I sat down with the rising star goaltender to get his thoughts as we head into the final stretch of the men’s soccer season this fall. 

__________

Dom Salot (Staff Writer): Hi Kevin, to start off–when did you first become the team’s starting goalie? 

Velasquez-Mejia: I think I became the starting goalie last year. Freshman year, I didn’t play much, but sophomore year I had some competition–his name was Brandon Faro. It was mainly just me and him rotating in goal. Then, he ended up getting injured, which kind of forced me into the starting position. It was tough at first; I had to play a lot more games and all that, but I got used to it. By this year, I felt more comfortable playing the position. 

Dom (Staff Writer): Do you feel more pressure now as an upperclassman compared to when you were an underclassman starting?

Velasquez-Mejia: I think there’s more pressure on me this year since I’m the starter and played more games last year. But the pressure doesn’t get to me now. Last year, it did, especially as an underclassman, and our team wasn’t the best. This year, though, I trust my teammates more, and I think it comes down to team chemistry. The morale is better, and I feel like the underclassmen have my back. As a junior, I still have the seniors to rely on too. 

Dom (Staff Writer): This is your second Defensive Player of the Week award this season! What does it mean to you? 

Velasquez-Mejia: It actually means a lot to me. I remember last year wasn’t great–it was probably one of the worst seasons I’ve had as a soccer player. In 2023, we ended with an overall record of 2-13. So for us to be doing better this year, it feels like a big step. 

Earning these accolades is like a reward for everything we went through last season and all the training I put in afterward to get back to where I wanted to be. It feels deserved, but at the same time, I want to stay humble and focus on us winning something as a team.

Dom (Staff Writer): The goalie position seems like it could get boring when your team is dominating, what are some things you try to do to stay locked in? 

Velasquez-Mejia: I agree that it can get a little boring, but one thing that helps me stay focused is not getting scored on. A clean slate—meaning the other team doesn’t score or I make a lot of saves—is really rewarding because it signifies a perfect game.

Another way I stay locked in is by watching the boys and how they try to score. I pay attention to the different methods they use, which helps me anticipate what the opposing team might try. Those are probably the two main things I do to stay locked in.

Dom (Staff Writer): Are you aware that you currently lead all goalies in the Atlantic East in major categories? That’s huge! How does that make you feel? 

Velasquez-Mejia: At first, I wasn’t aware. I had to double-check to confirm that I was leading in the stats, and it means a lot to me. Like I mentioned earlier, we had one of the worst years last season, so it’s great to see so much improvement this year. It’s also a sense of relief–it shows that I’ve improved from last year. There’s less pressure now to force myself to think, “Just go out there, play your game, and have fun.”

Dom (Staff Writer): Who are your favorite professional soccer players and your biggest inspirations? 

Velasquez-Mejia: I’d say Cristiano Ronaldo because he’s a natural goal-scorer. I know there's a lot of debate between him and Lionel Messi, but I just love watching Ronaldo play and how easily he can score. For goalkeepers, I admire Manuel Neuer and Keylor Navas. They’ve performed at the highest level, made incredible saves, and currently play for two excellent European teams. 

Dom (Staff Writer): What else would you like our readers to know?

Velasquez-Mejia: I’d like to emphasize that the goalie position isn’t solely responsible for the results. The defense also helps prevent conceding goals, so being Player of the Week twice wouldn’t be possible without my defense and those guys having my back every time we step onto the field. When evaluating a good goalie and their accolades, it’s important to consider the defense as well.

_________

The men’s soccer team currently holds a record of 4-10-2 as they approach mid to late October. They will host the Pratt Institute Cannoneers on Wednesday, October 23. The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. at J.E. Reeves Jr. Field here on campus. Kevin Velasquez-Meijia plans to maintain his stellar performance and help lead Centenary to some conference victories.