Hector Gomes (’81) was a standout player for the Westfield State men’s soccer team from 1977-80. The Ludlow resident was a two-time All-New England and four-time all-conference selection.

Despite playing defense for most of his collegiate career, Gomes ranks 14th on the all-time scoring list with 81 points (27 goals, 27 assists). During his senior season in 1980 he led the Owls to a 14-3-3 record, including a school record 16-game unbeaten streak, the conference championship, and an NCAA Tournament berth.

Gomes also helped lead Westfield to postseason tournament berths in 1977 (NCAA) and 1979 (ECAC). The Owls posted an aggregate record of 48-16-5 during his four years. The durable defender holds the school record for consecutive games played, never missing a match in his stellar four-year collegiate career.

Gomes’ passion for soccer continued following his graduation in fall of 1981. He had professional tryouts with the San Diego Sockers of the North American Soccer League - top league in the United States - and the Wichita (Kansas) Wings of the U.S. indoor soccer league.

Gomes, who moved to Western Mass. from Portugal at age 11, was an All-State and All-Western Mass. player at Ludlow High School and led the Lions to the 1976 state championship his senior season.

He played for Lusitano Club teams in Ludlow for more than 30 years. Playing the best soccer teams in New England, he helped lead the Lusitanos to the Connecticut League championship and the LASA (Luso American Soccer Association) championship.

He also coached Lusitano club teams for more than 20 years, ranging from ages 9 and under to 18 and under; they included the Ludlow Youth Soccer Association, Lusitano Futbol Club, and Western Mass. Junior Pioneers. He is currently a board member of the Western Mass. Junior Pioneers and a field coordinator for the Maple League.

Gomes graduated from Westfield in December of 1981 with a social sciences degree. He works at the Springfield Hall of Justice for the commissioner of probation as a supervisor for the electronic monitoring department.

He resides in Ludlow with his wife, Maria, and son Marco (22).