ELON, N.C. – Graduate student Franc Gamiz Quer of the Elon University men's soccer team was named to the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Defender Watch List as released by the organization on Tuesday, Aug. 8. The Sabadell, Spain, native was among 24 defenders selected for the preseason.
 
In his first season with the Phoenix in 2022, Gamiz Quer made a huge impact on the Phoenix's backline. The center back 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 laurels.
 
Gamiz Quer's play helped the maroon and gold win its first-ever outright CAA regular-season title in 2022 as the Phoenix advanced to its second straight league championship game. Elon later earned an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament, its first appearance in the national tournament since 2015.
 
The Phoenix opens its 2023 preseason schedule on Sunday, Aug. 13, hosting Cape Fear Community College in an exhibition match. That contest is slated for 5 p.m. at Rudd Field.