Gerardo Flores didn’t know if he would play soccer again after having knee surgery for the sixth time.
Sidelined for close to three years, the 2019 Central Valley High School grad earned a spot on the NCAA Division-II Stanislaus State men’s team after enrolling at the Turlock college this past spring.
“I was retired from playing because of injuries,” said Flores, 25, who is majoring in business. “I was going to school. By chance, I ran into the coaches (John Powell and Eddie Lopez). They gave me an opportunity and I took advantage of it. I did exceed my own expectations.”
Flores started 19 of 20 games while leading the Warriors to new heights during the 2025 season.
The 6-foot-1 junior forward Flores tied for third in the nation with five game-winning goals.
He led the California Collegiate Athletic Association in game-winning goals, tied for second in goals (9), and tied for fourth in both assists (6) and points (24).
Flores’ single-season totals in assists and points rank fifth, and goals rank sixth in program history.
“I’m a pretty confident person,” he said. “I know what I’m capable of because of my work ethic. I do a lot of training behind the scenes. I’m passionate about the game. Competing is always fun. I don’t like losing.”
Flores was rewarded for his outstanding play.
He earned 2025 NCAA Division-II United Soccer Coaches First-Team All-America honors.
He was named to the Division-II Conference Commissioners Association All-West Region First Team.
He was selected to the United Soccer Coaches All-West Region First Team.
He was also voted CCAA Forward of the Year.
Getting back on the field was a good feeling. I had a lot of really talented players on my team. They made my job easier.Gerardo Flores
“I missed playing,” Flores said. “Getting back on the field was a good feeling. I had a lot of really talented players on my team. They made my job easier.”
Stanislaus State compiled a 17-2-1 overall record en route to finishing the year ranked No. 5 in the United Soccer Coaches poll.
The Warriors set a program-record for wins in a single season, claimed the CCAA Championship (8-1-1) and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Division-II Tournament for the first time.
Stanislaus State had a program-best 14-match unbeaten streak.
This year’s team also tied a record for consecutive wins (7).
The Warriors won six of eight games against opponents ranked in the top 25.
Stanislaus State was picked to finish eighth in the CCAA Coaches’ Preseason Poll.
“All of us laughed,” Flores said. “We knew we’d surprise people. Other teams didn’t know what we had. Our bench players can start for other CCAA teams.”
“We kept training harder and harder,” he added. “Our chemistry was in sync. Everybody was so connected. Everybody got along. It made things easier. We were in the top five in the country most weeks. We reached No. 1 a couple times.”
Flores has one year of athletic eligibility left at Stanislaus State.
He’ll serve as a co-captain this fall.
“I’m going to be one of the leaders,” he said. “I’m focused on helping the team. I’m going to enjoy this last year.”
Flores and his Warrior teammates have high expectations.
“Every season is new,” he said. “Hopefully, we can make it farther this year. I know we’re going to be very good. Our goal is to win the national title. We were three wins away from achieving that (in 2025).”
Flores is looking forward to competing in front of family, friends and former teammates.
“It made sense,” he said while talking about why he transferred to Stanislaus State. “I wanted to be close to my family. My family has always supported me. They enjoy watching me play.”
Flores’ college soccer journey started at Cal State San Bernardino.
He ranked third on the team in goals (5) and fifth in total points (10) while appearing in 19 games as a freshman in 2019.
He made program history by becoming just the second Coyotes’ male player to register a hat trick in nine years during San Bernardino’s 6-1 win over Stanislaus State.
Flores was an all-CCAA honorable-mention selection.
The 2020 CCAA season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After spending the spring semester at San Jose State in 2021, Flores rejoined the San Bernardino team in the fall. He tallied six goals and one assists on his way to earning CCAA honorable-mention recognition.
Flores also played for several academies in Mexico after leaving San Bernardino in 2021.
“I enjoyed the experience,” he said.
Flores was able to work through his knee injuries thanks to hard work and dedication.
He faced countless hours of physical therapy.
Having four surgeries on his right knee and two on his left impacted Flores’ ability to walk.
“It wasn’t easy,” he said. “Being in recovery is difficult. I managed to get through it. I’m a pretty disciplined person. I’m really into fitness and nutrition. When you eat well and take care of your body, it helps you come back stronger.”
Flores enjoyed a success-filled prep soccer career at Central Valley.
He collected 63 goals and 22 assists while leading the Hawks to 51 wins, two section finals appearances and one conference title in three years.
He was voted 2019 Central California Conference Offensive Player of the Year as a senior.
He ranked first on the team in both goals scored (28) and assists (8).
The Hawks amassed a 10-2-0 record while finishing first overall in the CCC standings.
“It was fun to play for Central Valley,” said Gerardo, who teamed up with his twin brother Gilberto for two seasons. “We had an amazing group of guys each season. I’m just proud to say I was a Hawk.”
When asked if he would be open to playing soccer at the professional level after college, Flores said: “I don’t like to think that far ahead. I’ve learned to enjoy the moment.”
