“I don’t know if there is any replacing them. David and Dom are very special players, and I love those guys. I don’t know if you replace that. We have a lot of great players. I think we mesh better. We will see how a more balanced team will do,”” said sophomore Ethyn Gilbert.

While those two led the green and gold to the Region 3 semifinals last year, where Jamestown fell 4-3 to the No. 2-ranked program in the country, the leaders this year see it being a more collective effort to take the next step.

“It is really important. It is 11 vs. 11. It is a team game, so we need to involve everyone. I think the game is easier like that, when you aren’t relying on just a few players. It is easier when you know everyone can do their job,” added sophomore Braidan Govan.

Govan is the returning leader in the box score for JCC; his 22 points on seven goals and eight assists are all the highest on the 2025 roster from the 2024 team. He is part of a large contingent of international talent for the Jayhawks, so he understands what it takes to make that huge life change in coming to America.

Jamestown Community College’s men’s soccer team hopes to get past the Region 3 semifinals this season. The Jayhawks lost 4-3 there last year. Photo courtesy of Jamestown CC Athletics

“We need to lead by example. Obviously, it is difficult for the international boys moving across the world, so it is difficult. We are trying to let them settle in, and it is going in so far,” said Govan.

Part of that indoctrination to the Jayhawk way is simply enjoying time as a group of nearly 30 student-athletes.

“Oh, it’s great fun … to be honest. I spent a lot of the summer working hard for this moment. I am glad to see all the new boys are great. Last year we had better players; we had David Luque and Dom Malhomme. This year I think we are a lot closer. Yesterday we went out for a game of manhunt. I feel we are closer as a team. So, I am excited for the season,” mentioned sophomore Shane Bennett.

The fun and games have quickly switched to high-level execution in practice. A major focus for a team with high expectations.

“Jesse (da Costa, assistant coach) and Pat (Anderson, head coach) have very high hopes for this season. We are going to be pushed harder than ever before. I am not excited for that bit, but I am excited for the outcome,” Bennett said with a smile.

“I am hoping by changing some tendencies this year we will have a good defense, and we can lock in in the middle and make it (to nationals) this year,” added Gilbert.

“I think there are five or six of us from last year. We still have some good experience on the squad. The new lads seem really keen and ready to go. I think we will do well and get to nationals this year; that is the goal,” said sophomore Sam Little. “Last year we got close, like we had a good team, and we nearly got there. This year I want to do it. I want to get there,” he added.

The first chance to see the revamped Jayhawks comes on the road when they visit SUNY Adirondack on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 4 p.m. They hit the home pitch for the first time a week later when they welcome North Country Community College to town on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 2:30 p.m.