Richard Bland Names Tomás Fonseca Athlete of the Week
SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, Va. – Richard Bland College sophomore men's soccer standout Tomás Fonseca/Torres Vedras, Portugal has been named the Athletics Department's Athlete of the Week for the period September 25-October 1. The goalkeeper led the nationally-ranked Statesmen to a 1-1 week, including a 2-1 overtime setback at home to Louisburg (N.C.) College on Sept. 26 and a 1-0 double-overtime road win at Spartanburg Methodist (S.C.) College on Sept. 30. Fonseca started and played the entirety of both matches, totaling 198 minutes while only allowing two late penalty-kick goals against the Hurricanes and combining for 11 saves along with the shutout at Spartanburg. He has started and played in 11 matches overall for Richard Bland (11-1, 9-1 Region X), playing 933 minutes while allowing just four goals (0.39) with 28 saves (.875) and six shutouts. Tomás ranks third nationally in shutouts, is fourth in goals against average, 13th in save percentage and tied for 14th in goals allowed.
Please see below for a brief Q&A on his Athlete of the Week selection. Athletes of the Week are chosen by members of the Richard Bland Athletics Department.
Q: How does it feel to be named Richard Bland Athlete of the Week?
TF: It feels really good. It's my first time being named Athlete of the Week, so this is a special moment for me. It's a sign that I've been doing a good job and helping the team.
Q: How did you get started in your sport and how long have you played?
TF: I was between six and seven when I started playing and I've been playing ever since … I don't remember a year of my life that I didn't play.
Q: What do you like most about your team?
TF: I like the winner mentality that we have developed. It makes us stronger and brings us together as a family.
Q: Who is your funniest teammate/why?
TF: Hussein Osman is always making some kind of funny joke and Vandyke Gyau can be a really funny person.
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals/superstitions?
TF: I have a breathing exercise that my dad taught me, and I always touch both posts and the crossbar from right to left before beginning each half of a game.
Q: What is your favorite place on campus/why?
TF: The Statesman Soccer Field. It's there, when I'm playing, that I feel the happiest while doing the thing I enjoy the most.
Q: What is your favorite class/professor/why?
TF: LeJeanna Raymond, Associate Professor of English. She was really helpful to me in improving my writing and speaking skills. She always tries to help her students improve and achieve good grades, not only in her class, but in all our classes.