May 7, 2021
Santa, Monica, CA
Another member the Santa Monica College Men's Basketball program has officially signed a letter of intent.
Tomas Gomez-Espana a 6'2" guard has agreed to a scholarship that will enable him to continue his academic and athletic career at California State University Maritime Academy, an NAIA University located in Vallejo, California. Cal Maritime has the highest job placement rates of the 23 California State University campuses. Gomez-Espana has maintained an 4.0 GPA during his two years at Santa Monica College.
Gomez-Espana joined the Corsairs Men's Basketball team after his lone season playing at Napa Valley College in 2018-2019. Gomez-Espana averaged 11.5 points, three rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game for the Storm. He scored 20 or more points three times, made two or more three pointers in 18 of his 25 games, and made a career-high seven three-pointers on seven attempts against Chabot College.
"I chose to sign with Cal State Maritime because they gave me the opportunity to continue my athletic career, while being able to attend a school with a great academic reputation. I would like to thank my family for supporting me and all of my goals. I would also like to thank all of my coaches that I've had as they've helped me grow into the player I am today, and I would like to thank Coach Thomas especially for being so welcoming from the first day I arrived at SMC, and for all the assistance and guidance he provided me in my recruiting process," said Gomez-Espana. "My time at SMC was one that I will never forget. Even though I was unable to play in a game during my time here, I was able to learn from great coaches and got to play with high-level players that helped me improve my game every day."
Gomez-Espana, a Napa Valley native, will have three-years of athletic eligibility to play at Cal Maritime. Gomez- Espana will graduate with his AA to transfer from SMC this Spring.
"Tomas has worked very hard during his time with us. He was really looking forward to playing with us in the 2020-2021, and I was looking forward to coaching him, but the Covid-19 pandemic was not ideal for sports in our area, and quite frankly, most of the world. He is a lights out shooter from anywhere on the court. He has a great feel for the game, and greatly improved his shot creation ability with our Assistant Coach Ben Doran," said Head Coach Joshua Thomas. "Cal Maritime Head Coach Tim Bross has signed a young man who will provide elite floor-spacing and impact his program with winning and play-making. We are very happy for Tomas, and we know he has a bright future ahead at Cal Maritime academically and athletically."