The Newman University men’s soccer team plays in a combined conference between the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association and the Great American Conference (GAC). For the second consecutive year, and just the second time in Jets history, the team has qualified for the postseason championship.
The GAC Championship Tournament is being held Thursday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 15, at Fort Hays State University.
The tournament features the top four teams in the league based on a points system from conference games played during the regular season. The format is simple: two single-elimination semifinal games, followed by the final two days later, determining the conference championship winner.
The third-seed Newman Jets kick off their first game at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 against second-seed Rogers State University.
The man at the helm
The 2025-26 season marks head coach Victor Domingues’ third year leading the Jets.
Originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Domingues has rebirthed the Newman men’s soccer program — leading nine of his players to All-GAC honors last season, accomplishing that feat once again this year.
When talking about the “massive” achievement, Domingues said, “It was our first and foremost goal for the season. We had talked about taking care of business early on; the conference tournament was an expectation for us within our program.”
However, success is never given; it is earned.
Despite the adversity and obstacles that came along the way, he said, “The unity, togetherness and commitment this group has shown day in day out is ultimately how we’ve raised the standards to make more history. It has been our strength and key to success.”
Now with sights set on Thursday, the group must reset. Domingues wants his players to remember the recipes for success that got them into this position.
“Aspirations are the same as in preseason,” said Domingues, “We will continue to work and go for more this week!”
Domingues has been supported this season by graduate assistant Victor Machado, assistant coach Paulo Villalobos, volunteer assistant Parker Beumer and student assistant Gael Gonzalez.
Leaving it all on the pitch
After a demanding season, the team’s hard work paid off, earning its spot in the championship tournament. Some players reflected on the journey, sharing what it means to them.
Canadian senior and GAC Elite Scholar Cameron Schroder was proud of the fact that they were able to “raise the standards” as a team again by earning a better seed than they did last year.
“One of the reasons we are seeing consistent success is because of the culture we have created in the program,” he said. “All the guys here have a winning mentality and always want to compete.”
Schroder’s ultimate goal is to win the conference tournament and head to nationals with his teammates.
He added, “That would be the perfect way for my last year here to come to an end.”
Passion drives purpose, and that is the case for junior Yohsuke Ono. This season, he received GAC player of the week recognition, and has been an attacking force for the Jets all season long — recording four goals and four assists across his 17 starts.
“We emphasized the unity of the team this year. All of us are a part of it, whether we play, are injured, suspended or anything else, we all are a part of this team and that unity is what I believe brought us here,” said Ono.
When asked to reflect on what it means to him personally, he said, “It is a pleasure being able to compete at this level. It isn’t just about me; it’s all the help I have been given from families, teammates and coaches — I see it as an opportunity to repay those people with all my heart.”
With the Jets ready for take off, Newman University wishes the team and staff continued success and safe travels as the chase of a conference championship draws near. This group has what it takes to keep breaking program records and rewriting Newman history — possibly even landing at nationals.
Let’s go, Jets!
Get to know your Newman Jet stars
For the second year in a row, nine men’s soccer players were recognized in season-long awards.
