Nico Hernandez, a standout athlete from John Tyler High School's 1994 state football championship team and an all-state soccer player, will be inducted into the Tyler ISD Athletics Hall of Fame this week. The induction ceremony is scheduled for halftime of the Tyler High Homecoming game against Dallas W.T. White, set for Friday at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium on Earl Campbell Field. Kickoff for the game is 7 p.m.
Hernandez is being honored not only for his athletic accomplishments but also for his generosity and sustained support for the Tyler community and Tyler schools. Nominators noted his charity work in Tyler and Dallas and his continued support for the Tyler High Lions.
Hernandez played four years on the John Tyler Lions soccer team under his father, Demetrio Hernandez, where he helped the team achieve its first two district championships. He holds the Lions' record for assists in a single season and served as team captain for two years, contributing to the team's reach into regional finals and semifinals.
In football, Hernandez was a two-year varsity member and team captain, earning all-district and all-East Texas honors as a placekicker and kicker. He was a key part of the 1994 state championship team that finished the season 16-0 and secured the Class 5A Division II title, notably participating in the Lions’ 48-44 playoff win over Plano East.
His athletic career continued at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he was a two-year starter for the soccer team, helping the Mustangs win two conference championships and reach the Elite 8. He also scored the winning goal in an NCAA national tournament game. Hernandez additionally served as the placekicker for the SMU football team, and a football scholarship at SMU is named in his honor. His broader athletic recognition includes being named Most Valuable Player at the Puma Cup National Senior All-Star game, participation in the US National Pool Team Camp, and an appearance on the cover of Soccer America magazine.
Hernandez is a local businessman and digital content creator. He is the second member of his family to receive this honor, joining his brother Daniel Hernandez, who was part of the inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2013. His sister, Sara, was a notable soccer player at Tyler Lee and currently serves as an assistant soccer coach at Tyler Legacy.
Reflecting on the recognition, Hernandez shared that being inducted into the Tyler ISD Athletics Hall of Fame "means more to me than I can really put into words." He spoke of countless hours spent training and dreaming of how far soccer could take him. After becoming paralyzed at age 20, he never saw his playing career's ultimate end but recognized the blessing of his time at SMU and John Tyler High School.
Hernandez expressed appreciation for being remembered 30 years after graduation, acknowledging recognition for both his on-field accomplishments and his off-field support for John Tyler and the Lions community. He conveyed gratitude to God, the Tyler ISD Hall of Fame Committee, and his entire family, especially his parents. He noted his father's demanding coaching and his late mother's unconditional love and pride. He also thanked his brother, Daniel, for inspiring competitive drive, and his sisters, Rebecca and Sara, for their support, mentioning Sara's choice to wear his No. 10 jersey.
He extended thanks to his football coaches, particularly Coach Allen Wilson and the state championship staff, and his teammates, emphasizing the collective effort behind individual achievements. Hernandez also acknowledged the enduring love and pride of the CUJO community, stating his pride in remaining a part of it.
Katelyn Sepmoree, a Tyler Lee golfer, was also inducted as part of the Class of 2026 on September 11 during the Tyler Legacy Homecoming game with Mesquite.
