WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – Every successful program has players who help establish its identity. For West Liberty men's soccer, Bernardo Vilchis was one of those players. A four-year captain and two-time All-Mountain East Conference selection, Vilchis helped shape the Hilltopper program during its formative years while rewriting the school record book. From 2018-21, the native of Mexico developed into one of the most prolific goal scorers in program history, finishing his career with 15 goals, 29 points, three game-winning goals and 32 shots on goal while appearing in 53 matches with 50 starts.

His name remains etched throughout the West Liberty record book. Vilchis shares the school record for goals in a season with seven in 2021, owns the career record with 15 goals and remains the program's all-time leader in shots on goal. He also shares the single-season record with three game-winning goals in 2021.

Vilchis arrived on the Hilltop in 2018 and immediately stepped into the starting lineup, appearing in all 14 matches while logging more than 1,200 minutes as a sophomore. A year later, he emerged as one of the Mountain East Conference's top attacking threats, scoring five goals while converting both of his penalty kick opportunities.

His breakout continued during the abbreviated 2020-21 spring season, when he recorded two goals and an assist in just eight matches before producing the finest offensive campaign of his career in the fall of 2021. Vilchis scored a program-record-tying seven goals, including three game winners, while earning All-MEC honors and helping lead the Hilltoppers through one of the most successful seasons in the young history of the program.

While his statistics speak for themselves, Vilchis believes his greatest accomplishment came as a leader. "Being a four-year team captain means a lot to me," Vilchis said. "I am proud to have represented West Liberty and to have contributed to the growth of the soccer program during my time there." Vilchis came to West Liberty from Mexico and quickly found more than just a soccer team. "As an international student, my favorite memory was building a family away from home with friends from all over the world," he said. "Those friendships and experiences over four years are something I will never forget."

That sense of family extended beyond the field, especially among the program's international players. "Every coach, staff member and teammate played an important role in my journey," Vilchis said. "I would especially like to recognize the Latin American and Hispanic players who left their homes and families to come to West Liberty. We built a unique bond and together we helped establish the foundation of the program during its early years."

Following his playing career, Vilchis remained on the Hilltop to complete his Master of Business Administration after earning his bachelor's degree in General Business. Today, he works in international logistics within the defense and military industry, applying the same leadership and discipline that defined his collegiate career. Looking back, he encourages today's Hilltoppers to embrace every opportunity. "Enjoy every moment of your college experience," Vilchis said. "The friendships you build and the memories you create will stay with you for the rest of your life. Those years pass much faster than you think."

For Vilchis, West Liberty will always represent more than the goals he scored or the records he set. It represents friendships that became family, a program he helped build from the ground up, and the pride that comes with wearing the Black and Gold.
More than a record holder, Bernardo Vilchis is one of the foundational figures in the history of West Liberty men's soccer—a true Timeless Topper.
 

Bernardo Vilchis Q&A

Sport(s) you played/coached at West Liberty:
Men's Soccer (2018-2022)

Major:
Bachelor's degree in General Business; Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Years you attended West Liberty:
2018-2022

What are you doing now?
I currently work in international logistics within the defense and military industry.

Favorite memory of West Liberty:
As an international student, my favorite memory was building a family away from home with friends from all over the world. Those friendships and experiences over four years are something I will never forget.

Advice to current athletes or students:
Enjoy every moment of your college experience. The friendships you build and the memories you create will stay with you for the rest of your life. Those years pass much faster than you think.

What does it mean to be an alumnus of West Liberty?
Being a four-year team captain means a lot to me. I am proud to have represented West Liberty and to have contributed to the growth of the soccer program during my time there.

Who were the most influential coaches or teammates during your time at West Liberty?
Every coach, staff member, and teammate played an important role in my journey. I would especially like to recognize the Latin American and Hispanic players who left their homes and families to come to West Liberty. We built a unique bond, and together we helped establish the foundation of the program during its early years.
 


West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.