Deland, Fla. - As nice as it was to see the Stetson men's soccer team defeat Florida Tech 4-3 Friday night in the final preseason tune up, the highlight of the evening was the return of junior defender Matt Hoskins to the Stetson Soccer Complex.
Last season Hoskins was an integral part of Stetson's run to a conference championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. He was one of six Hatters that played and started in all 20 games. He played a significant defensive role on the back line. He scored the game-winning goal in the season opener against Northwood University. He played every minute of every game all season until the NCAA tournament game, and he played 87 of 90 minutes that night. He earned Atlantic Sun Academic All-Conference honors. What most Hatters fans don't realize, he did it all while suffering with discomfort and pain.
Matt Hoskins' appearance in tonight's game was nothing short of a miracle.
"I was in pain last season", said Hoskins. "I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want them to keep me from playing."
During the semester break Hoskins realized that his health issues were quite serious. Over the past six months he has undergone three surgeries, two of them life threatening.
"My colon exploded over the Christmas break, they had to completely remove it", he said. "I had to get blood transfusions and all that stuff."
The most amazing part of Hoskins' story is his will to get better, and back on the field. Stetson Head Coach T. Logan Fleck is very pleased to see him doing so well in his recovery, as well as his progress on the field. He started and played over 60 minutes in tonight's exhibition game.
"I am happy personally in my heart just to see the kid out here playing because of all he went through and the adversity he has faced. He has fought through like a champ", said Fleck. "I am just happy to see him out there and yet he is not satisfied with that and wants to be right back in full form, starting, and doing his stuff. That's why Matty is who he is."
"I've worked really hard this summer just to get back on the field & back with the championship team", he added. "It felt really good to be out there tonight, we are all looking forward to a good season."
Stetson will open the regular season Wednesday, September 1 with a 7:00 p.m. game against Johnson & Wales at the Stetson Soccer Complex. Expect Hoskins to be the first one out for the pregame warm up.
