ELON, N.C. – Graduate student Franc Gamiz Quer and junior Scott Vatne of the Elon University men's soccer team were named to the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) 2023 Hermann Trophy Watch List as announced by the organization on Thursday, Aug. 25.
 
The Hermann Trophy is presented annually by the Missouri Athletic Club and is the nation's highest individual honor recognizing the National Player of the Year as determined by the voting of Division I coaches who are members of United Soccer Coaches. Gamiz Quer and Vatne were two of 37 players that were chosen for the preseason honor with Elon being one of seven programs to have multiple athletes recognized.
 
"To be named one of the top 37 players in the whole country is obviously high-level recognition that both Franc and Scott are fully deserving," said Elon head men's soccer coach Marc Reeves. "They were hugely impactful to last season's success and we are excited to see their continued development as high-level players. I think they would both acknowledge their teammates have assisted in this accolade and in order to make the next cut for the National Player of the Year, our group must continue to be committed to the daily work it takes to prepare and perform at our best each game."
 
Gamiz Quer returns to lead a Phoenix backline that was one of the best in the country a year ago. The Sabadell, Spain, native helped Elon to a single-season school record 11 clean sheets last season and only 12 goals allowed. He also played every minute on the pitch last fall and was selected as an All-CAA first team honoree while receiving United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region first team honors. This preseason, the center back was selected as one of 24 defenders on the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Defender Watch List while being a 2023 Preseason All-CAA selection.
 
Vatne also earned preseason recognition by the United Soccer Coaches Association as the Klepp, Norway, native was one of 25 players named to the Midfielders to Watch List. A first team All-CAA selection in 2022 and a 2023 Preseason All-CAA choice, Vatne is the Phoenix's leading returning scorer in goals (three) and total points (12). He tied the team-lead in assists last fall with six and led the maroon and gold in total shots with 39 with 20 of those coming on goal. Vatne concluded his sophomore season by being selected as a first team All-Atlantic Region.
 
The Phoenix kicks off its 2023 campaign on Friday, Aug. 26, versus Furman at the John Rennie/Nike Invitational at Duke University. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Koskinen Stadium.