Soccer goalkeeper/returned missionary Lynette Hernaez's faith-driven trek to BYU

PROVO — Pioneers come in all shapes and sizes — and some even wear soccer cleats.

BYU's veteran goalkeeper Lynette Hernaez can be multi-classified: An elite DI athlete. A returned missionary. A beach-loving California girl. And, most recently, a new bride.

Hernaez is also a pioneer, although it's doubtful she thinks of herself as one.

But as Latter-day Saint leader President Thomas S. Monson often taught, a pioneer is "one who goes before — to prepare or open the way for others to follow."

For the past several years, Hernaez has pioneered and blazed her own unexpected personal path — and she's invited others to follow.

The Corona, California, native is now days away from commencing her junior soccer campaign at BYU.

She was once the "youngster" on the field after being called into service as a freshman for a 2023 Cougar squad that stunned powerhouse North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the Final Four.

But now Hernaez is one of the team's veterans. She's expected to be a leader on a squad rostering almost 20 underclassmen.

The young Cougars will likely find confidence in both her steadiness in goal — and by the pioneer-like courage she has demonstrated outside the lines.

"We're still a young team — and Lynette will have more experience than most," said BYU soccer coach Jennifer Rockwood. "So we will rely on her … just knowing we have someone in goal that can communicate and organize."

BYU: A faith-based recruitment

There are myriad reasons why today's college-bound athletes choose one school over another during their recruitment.

For many, it's the promise of playing time.

Others are hunting for dollars and big NIL payments.

And some student-athletes are likely selecting schools that will advance their professional careers once their playing days are over.

But Hernaez's decision to become a Cougar is a bit unusual.

"I was taught by missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a few years ago — and they inspired me to come to BYU," she noted in her online bio.

Yes, Hernaez was eager to compete for a top-end NCAA program. And yes, she was anxious to lock up a starting spot between the pipes. But soccer, Hernaez told the Deseret News, was always a secondary consideration in selecting BYU.

"It was because of faith. I had a desire to keep learning and growing in my faith — and I felt like I could get that at BYU."

Given her current connection to all things BYU, it's surprising that just a few years ago, Hernaez had no clue that the institution was a Latter-day Saint-sponsored school headquartered in Provo.

"I honestly thought it was a school in the South," she said, laughing.

In fact, she wasn't even sure what a Latter-day Saint was.

Hernaez grew up in soccer-crazy Southern California, competing for and against some of the country's best clubs.

In an interview shortly after returning from her mission, Hernaez recalled her church conversion.

During her junior year of high school, Hernaez learned that a close friend and teammate did not play on Sundays for religious reasons. Her friend was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"I told her 'Oh, that's cool' — I had never heard about (the church) before," recalled Hernaez. "But I didn't really ask too many questions."

Later, she discovered that several other friends were also Latter-day Saints.

"I had a desire to learn so much more about their religion."

Soon she was joining them at church activities — but admits feeling initially hesitant about meeting with the full-time missionaries.

"Then after a year of going to all these church activities, I realized how awesome these people were … and that I wanted to be taught more."

"So I asked my friends to introduce me to the missionaries."

Hernaez initially had questions about the Book of Mormon — but also realized that reading its chapters made her happy. Soon she was noticing improvements in interactions with her family — and positive things were happening at school and in soccer.

"I couldn't deny what I was feeling and how it was making a big difference in my life."

Hernaez approached her parents about being baptized. They asked her not to rush her decision and delay joining the church until she turned 18.

"On the day I turned 18," she said, "I woke up and the first thing I did was call my bishop to schedule my baptism."

Joy ministering to others

Hernaez committed to play at Washington State University during her sophomore year of high school.

She arrived in Pullman in 2020, just two months after her baptism. She was far from family and friends. "I really had to rely on my faith and make new friends in my new Young Single Adults ward and try and get adjusted to the church."

She loved her new soccer teammates and school. "But it was also kind of overwhelming because I felt like a new church member that still needed guidance."

While in Pullman, Hernaez continued meeting with the Latter-day Saint missionaries.

And soon she was inviting others to learn about the church. Her roommate began meeting with the missionaries — and Hernaez joined in the discussions.

"I was now being the teacher instead of one being taught."

She found joy sharing her faith with others. Stepping away from college soccer for a time to serve a full-time mission seemed the next logical step in her faith journey.

"I decided to take a leap of faith and do it," she said.

Her full-time mission call soon arrived: The Salt Lake City South Mission — just a short drive from BYU.

Saying goodbye to Washington State

Hernaez remains grateful for a Washington State coaching staff that wanted the best for one of their highly recruited players — even if it meant saying goodbye.

The Cougar coaches in Pullman immediately supported her decision to serve a mission and promised to hold her scholarship at Washington State.

"Then I got a second prompting from Heavenly Father telling me to try for BYU," said Hernaez.

Read the full article at Deseret.com.

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