Sixty-five total Socorro Independent School District student-athletes signed their letters of intent to play their sports at the collegiate level in signing ceremonies that were conducted virtually for the first time in the district.
The COVID-19 pandemic did not stop the SISD community from celebrating the 2019-2020 athletic signees. Each high school had a virtual event for their student-athletes via Microsoft Teams, Zoom and YouTube apps.
“I’m extremely proud of how our campuses were able to get this done,” said SISD Athletic Director JJ Calderon. “They went above and beyond to recognize these athletes under these unfortunate circumstances.”
The SISD graduates will go on to compete in soccer, basketball, cross country, track and field, football, volleyball, baseball, softball, golf and participate in athletic training.
The following student-athletes have signed and are ready to move on to play/perform at the collegiate level:
Americas High School
Jacob Ye signed with the University of Texas at Arlington for cross country, his highlights include: three-time All-District cross-country athlete from 2017-2019, a state qualifier in 2018 and 2019, and area champion in the 1600m run in 2019. He currently is the school record holder for the three-mile run (14:58.4), ranked seventh in the state for 1600m run (4:20.80), ranked third in school history for 1600m run (4:20:80) and second in school history for 800m run (1:54.94). Ye was on his way to breaking more school records and qualifying to the Texas 6A State Track and Field Championships before the season was cancelled due to COVID-19. “Through my four years of running at Americas, I accomplished most of my goals and made history as a team. I wouldn't change anything about my experience and the friendships I made along the way,” Ye said.
Seth Andrade signed with the University of Texas at Tyler for cross-country. His highlights include: All-District performer and state qualifier in 2018-2019. He is the first Americas High School athlete to complete the triple in one meet at the Fred Loya Invite 2020. His times were: 3200m (10:00.77), 800m (2:01.85), and 1600m (4:38.43).
Hector Sanchez signed with the University of Texas at Permian Basin for cross-country. His highlights include earning 17th place at the Texas 6A State Cross Country Championships in 2019. He is an All-District performer and school record holder for 5K run (15:15.4), ranked fifth in school history for 3200m run (9:44.08), and ranked eighth in school history for 1600m run (4:28.18). “I feel super blessed to run with an amazing team for my four years in high school. Nobody can possibly be as great as these guys and girls I train with every day to push me and motivate me to do better. As sad as it is to let go of my team, this team and school will always have a place in my heart,” Sanchez said.
Daphne Duran signed with Texas State University for cross-country. Her highlights include: four-time All-District performer from 2016-2019. She is a three-time regional qualifier in track and field and holds the school record for 800m run (2:19.85) as well as freshmen school records in 5K, 400m, 800m, 1600m and 3200m runs. “It was a great run!” Duran said.
Arlette Yañez signed with the University of Southwest for soccer. Her highlights include being part of the Americas High School soccer program for the past four years and helping the Trailblazers clinch second place in the playoffs this year. Yañez had the opportunity to represent El Paso as a state champion in soccer and is part of the Spanish Honor Society and guitar club.
Alex Reyes signed with Sul Ross State University for soccer. Her highlights include defending and helping the Trailblazers make the playoffs for the first time in school history and being part of the Americas High School soccer program for the past four years. Reyes was the team’s go-to player for their penalty kicks because of her strong left foot.
Angelina Escobar signed with Sul Ross State University for soccer. Her highlights include being a midfielder for the Americas High School soccer program the past four years, serving as a leader both on and off the field, setting high expectations for her fellow teammates and helping the Trailblazers earn second place in district while being part of the yearbook club. “I am very thankful for everyone at Americas for making my high school experience great! I am very excited about my future at Sul Ross University,” Escobar said.
Miguel Felix signed with Shaw University for soccer. His highlights include being the team captain and a four-year varsity starter while being a member of the orchestra. Felix earned All-District in 2019 and 2020.
Arturo “Tury” Ordoñez signed with Benedictine University for soccer. His highlights include being a four-year varsity athlete and earning Skills USA Winner.
Alfredo De La Torre signed with the University of Texas at El Paso for football. His highlights include: All-District second team, a two-year starter as well as a two-sport athlete. De La Torre was a regional qualifier in track and field.
Chris Robles signed with Sul Ross State University for football. His highlights include: All-District first team, and defensive newcomer of the year and earned an All-Star selection. He is a three-sport athlete who plays football, runs track and field and is a wrestling regional qualifier. “My experience at Americas was extravagant. I got along with teachers, made friends, and enjoyed growing as a person in that community. I learned right from wrong and learned how to be selfless to think of others and to work with a team,” Robles said.
Alicia Barron signed with Ranger Junior College for golf. Her highlights include two-time All-District athlete and regional qualifier as a junior. “I would like to thank all of Americas for supporting me every step of the way. Thank you to all my coaches and teachers for believing in me. My experience at Americas will be one I will never forget and it was full of laughs and memories,” Barron said.
Eastlake High School
Cameron Jackson signed with Ottawa University for track and field. His highlights include one-year letterman who participated in the 100m run, 200m run, 400m run and 4 x 200m relay. “I would like to thank my parents so much for believing in me this entire time,” Jackson said
Jennea Ramirez signed with Ottawa University for track and field. Her highlights include two-year letterman who participated in the 400m run. “I am so excited to start the next chapter of my life at Ottawa University,” Ramirez said.
Matthew Morales signed with North American University for baseball. His highlights include three-year letterman who earned All-District in 2018 and 2019 and had a career .326 average, 36 hits, 3.08 ERA, he is the second player in school history to play all positions. “I am excited for this next chapter of my life, I can’t wait for the experiences that are to come,” Morales said.
Matthew Talavera signed with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for baseball. His highlights include three-year letterman who was an All-District catcher in 2018 and 2019. Talavera hit a walk-off double vs. Lubbock-Coronado in the 2019 playoffs. He had a career .330 average, 44 RBI’s and 66 hits. “I am looking forward to the challenges up ahead at UTRGV,” Talavera said.
Bernie Valdez signed with the University of Texas Permian Basin for baseball. His highlights include three-year letterman who earned All-District first-team third baseman; 2018 and 2019 District 2-5A Offensive MVP and had a career .364 average, 5 homeruns, 85 RBIs, 91 hits and a 2.43 ERA. “I am excited to embrace this new chapter in my life, it’s only the beginning from here and I am ready to go to work,” Valdez said.
Melanie Garcia signed with Ranger Community College for soccer. Her highlights include three-year letterman who earned 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 Team MVP; first-team All-District 2019-2020; Dr. Pink’s Frisco Tournament MVP and Top Team Scorer. “I wouldn’t have gotten this scholarship without the amount of support I got from everyone. Thank you,” Garcia said.
Axel Armendariz signed with Gustavus Adolphus College for football. His highlights include two-year letterman who earned All-District Honorable Mention and is a two-sport athlete as a member of the track team. “Thank you to everyone who believed in me and I can’t wait for this next chapter of my life,” Armendariz said.
Pedro Ayala signed with Wayland Baptist University for football. His highlights include two-year letterman who earned second-team All-District and had 47 total tackles and 4 tackles for loss. “I’m extremely excited to perform at the next level,” Ayala said.
Rolando Beltran signed with New Mexico Highlands University for football. His highlights include earning 2-5A Defensive Player of the Year, second-team All-City Selection, Senior All-Star Game Selection and had 42 total tackles, and 8 tackles for loss. “Thank you to everyone who watched me sign today, I love all of your support,” Beltran said.
Zuleica Cruz signed with Western Texas College for volleyball. Her highlights include three-year letterman who earned District 2-5A Outstanding Setting, had a career 148 kills, a .168 hitting percentage, 33 aces, 14 blocks, 263 digs, and 420 assists. “Thank you to the Eastlake community for always being so supportive. Congratulations to all the athletes signing today, I wish you all the best,” Cruz said.
Cheyanne Bonilla signed with the University of Mary Hardin Baylor for basketball. Her highlights include being named 2020 El Paso Times Most Valuable Player, 2-5A District MVP; TABC first-team All-Region; TGCA All-State performer; Academic All-State Student Athlete with a 95.28 GPA, over 2,300 career points; 20.7 average points per game; All Tournament Team – Byron Johnson (Midland), Katy Classic (Houston) and Franklin High School (El Paso). “I am so grateful for the many blessings I’ve had here at Eastlake, I love you guys,” Bonilla said.
El Dorado High School
Jorden Clark signed with Cochise College for basketball. His highlights include being selected for the 2020 Second Team All-City El Paso Times, 2020 District 2-5A Offensive MVP, and the 2020 District 2-5A All Defensive Team. He averaged 20 points per game and 12 rebounds. “For the next two years I will be taking my talents to Cochise College. Thank you for letting me play at your school,” Clark said.
Darling Harris signed with Knox College for basketball. Her highlights include three-sport letterman (basketball, volleyball, track). She was the 2020 basketball team captain and earned 2020 District 2-5A Academic All-District (basketball), 2017-18 District 1-6A Academic All-District (basketball) and was selected for the 2019-20 Second Team All-District 2-5A volleyball team (middle blocker). “Thank you to everyone who motivated me to play college ball and I am excited to play for Knox College,” Harris said.
Madison Cuevas signed with Northland College for basketball. Her highlights include two-year letterman and was the 2020 team co-captain. She was selected for 2018-19 District 2-5A Academic All-District, 2019-20 District 2-5A Academic All-District, and 2019- Midland Oilman’s All-Tournament Team. “I could not have asked for better people in my life to support me in this next chapter of my life,” Cuevas said.
Arianna Aragon will attend Northland College for basketball. Her highlights include four-year letterman and was named as 2019-20- All City Honorable Mention El Paso Times, 2020 Mc Donald’s All-American Nominee, 2020- GEPGCA Basketball All-Star and named three times to the First-Team All-District. She scored 1,195 total career points. “As I start this next chapter of my life, I hope to make each and every one of you proud, thank you,” Aragon said.
Brittney Sierra signed with Western Texas College for softball. Her highlights include two-year letterman who earned 2019 District 2-5A first-team All-District Team and 2019 District 2-5A All-Academic Team. “I am truly grateful for my team, my coaches, my family and my community. I can’t wait to play my favorite sport at the next level,” Sierra said.
Iaan Rodriguez signed with The University of Southwest for baseball. His highlights include three-year letterman for the Aztecs who finished his senior year with a .346 hitting percentage. “It was unfortunate we couldn’t finish the year, but I will always remember my times at El Dorado. I love you guys,” Rodriguez said.
Leslie Gutierrez signed with Heartland College for soccer. Her highlights include District 2-5A First Team All-District in 2019, Honorable Mention All-District 2-5A in 2018, and Academic All-State in 2019. She is a midfielder, three-year letterman and in the National Honor Society. “This sport has made me grow not only as a player, but as an individual and I am so thankful for this journey,” Gutierrez said.
Apryl Alvarez signed with Heartland College for soccer. Her highlights include three-year letterman who made District 2-5A First Team All-District in 2019, District 2-5A Second Team All-District in 2018, and was a 2020 DECA state qualifier and 2020 Academic All-State. “Playing college ball is only my first step in making you all so proud and your support means so much to me,” Alvarez said.
Diego Diaz signed with Sul Ross State University for soccer. His highlights include three-year letterman who was named District 2-5A Most Valuable Goalie in 2019, District 1-6A Most Valuable Goalie in 2017 and ended his high school career with 255 total saves. “My goal is to make (my family) your dream come true because you helped me make mine come true. I love you guys,” Diaz said.
Kris Martin signed with Catholic University of Washington for football. His highlights include two sport letterman (football, basketball) who made First Team All-District 1-5A wide receiver in 2019, ranked third in the district with 71 total receptions for 1,067 yards and nine touchdowns. Martin carries a 3.8 GPA going into college. “This program has definitely helped me reach this level. Thank you El Dorado,” Martin said.
Chris Bustillos signed with McMurray University for football. His highlights include three-year letterman who made First Team All-District 1-5A Quarterback in 2019, passed for 1,800 yards, and rushed for over 600 yards. “Thank you to everyone at El Dorado for always supporting me,” Bustillos said.
E.J. Hinojosa signed with Lakeland University for football. His highlights include two-year letterman who made Second Team All-District 1-5A Offensive Linemen in 2019 and was selected into the 2020 Senior Showcase as an offensive lineman. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to my football career these past four years,” Hinojosa said.
Montwood High School
Karla Quintana signed with Texas Tech University for athletic training. Quintana was the head student athletic trainer at Montwood High School who will participate in Division 1 athletic training for the NCAA.
Roberto Canales signed with the University of Southwest for soccer. His highlights include first-team All-District and team captain. Canales is a defender for Montwood High School soccer and will participate in Division 3 level of competition for NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).
Gabriel Neufeld signed with the University of Southwest for soccer. Neufeld is a midfielder and will participate in Division 3 level of competition for NAIA.
Luis Payan signed with the University of Southwest for soccer. Payan is a defender and the team captain for Montwood High School soccer. His level of competition will be Division 3 for NAIA.
Brianna Romo signed with Concordia University for softball. Romo is an outfielder for Montwood High School softball and her highlights include 2020-team captain, 2019 second-team All-District and 2019 Academic All-District.
Samantha Chavez signed with Sul Ross State University for softball. Chavez is a middle infielder and her highlights include 2020-team captain, 2019 first-team All-District, 2019 Academic All-District, 2019 Team Hustle Award and 2019 Team Unsung Hero Award.
Danielle Gomez signed with Sul Ross State University for softball and volleyball. Gomez is a pitcher, plays first base for softball, and is a setter for volleyball. Her highlights include 2020-team captain, 2019 first-team All-District, 2019 Academic All-District, 2019 Team Pitcher of the Year and 2019 Team MVP.
America Rubio signed with El Paso Community College for softball. Rubio plays middle infield and outfield. Her highlights include 2020-team captain, 2020 El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame Female Athlete of the Year, 2019 first-team All-District and 2019 Team Defensive Player of the Year.
Karen Chavez signed with Ranger College for soccer. Chavez plays outside defender and was first-team All-District Team Captain. Her level of competition will be Division 2 for NJCAA.
Arianna Rios signed with Ranger College for soccer. Rios plays central defender and was first-team All-District Team Captain. Her level of competition will be Division 2 for NJCAA.
Isaac Gonzalez signed with New Mexico State University for football. His highlights include first-team All-District and Senior All-Star selection. Gonzalez plays offensive line and will play Division 1 football as a preferred walk-on.
Pedro Escobar signed with the University of Texas at El Paso for football. His highlights include second-team All-District and Senior All-Star selection. Escobar plays linebacker and will play Division 1 football as a preferred walk-on.
Isaiah Peoples signed with Oklahoma Panhandle State University for football. His highlights include second-team All-District and Senior All-Star selection. Peoples plays cornerback and will play Division 2 for NAIA.
Westin Barberan signed with Lakeland University for football. Barberan plays wide receiver and will play Division 3 level football.
Max Ayala signed with the University of Southwest for track and field. Ayala ran the 400m relay and his highlights include team captain as well as Area and Regional qualifier for track and field.
Primitivo Vasquez signed with Saint Mary’s University for baseball. His highlights include first-team All-District, All-City Team, All-Academic, Bi-District Champion and Area Champion. Vasquez plays second base and will play Division 2 baseball.
Jesus Campa signed with El Paso Community College for baseball. His highlights include All-Academic Team, Bi-District Champion and Area Champion. Campa is a pitcher and plays third base.
Isaac Villanueva signed with the University of Southwest for baseball. His highlights include Bi-District Champion and Area Champion. Villanueva is a catcher and will play Division 2 for NAIA.
Pebble Hills High School
Anthony Romero signed with Western New Mexico University for football. His highlights include first-team All-District as well senior All-Star selection. Romero plays defensive end for the Spartans. “I am extremely proud to announce my commitment to Western New Mexico University,” Romero said.
Andrey Denson signed with Gustavus Adolphus College for football. His highlights include averaging 2.1 tackles per game, runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and has a 35-inch vertical jump. Denson plays defensive back for the Spartans. “Thank you to the entire Pebble Hills community for welcoming me with open arms when I came in from the northeast. I am truly grateful,” Denson said.
Payton Fields signed with Western Nebraska Community College for basketball. Her highlights include: four-year varsity starter, 2020 District/City MVP, 6A All-Region, 6A All-State, TGCA Academic All-State, TABC Academic All-State, 2018 first-team All-District and 2019 first-team All-District. Fields played guard for the Spartans and is the school’s All-Time leader in points, assists, and free throw attempts. “I am very excited to begin my journey at the next level,” Fields said.
Darla Portillo signed with Heartland Community College for soccer. Her highlights include first-team All-District in 2019 and 2020, second-team All-District in 2017 and honorable mention in 2019 Portillo is the team captain and a four-year varsity starter who plays center midfield for the Spartans. “I want to thank everyone who is here today and for supporting me,” Portillo said.
Socorro High School
Christian Parra signed with Ranger College for cross-country. His highlights include top 10 1600m and 3200m runner who placed second in the 1-6A District Track and Field Championships 3200m run. In 2019, Parra participated in the 1-6A Area Track and Field Championships and placed 10th in the 3200m 1-6A Region 1 Track and Field Championships. “I am truly excited for what lies ahead of me next,” Parra said.
Jeremiah Sanchez signed with Central Baptist College for basketball. His highlights include All-District 1-6A Honorable Mention, averaged 12 points, six rebounds and five steals per game. Sanchez is the team captain who not only shows his excellence on the court but in the classroom as well, earning Academic All-District 1-6A and being part of the Health Professions Academy and Socorro Early College. “Everyone I’ve mentioned today has influenced me to be the prestigious young man I am today,” Sanchez said.
Diego Torres signed with Our Lady of the Lake University for basketball. His highlights include 1-6A second-team All-District his junior and senior year, 1-6A All-Defensive first team his junior and senior year and averaged 17 points, five assists and six steals per game. “Every time I do something, I do it for everyone who supports me,” Torres said.
Alan Duran signed with the University of Southwest for soccer. His highlights include 2019-2020 District Boys Soccer 1-6A Most Valuable Player and earned First-Team All-District from 2017-2020. “I greatly appreciate everyone who is watching me sign today. Thank you all,” Duran said.
Armando Pando signed with the University of Southwest for soccer. His highlights include 2019-2020 District Boys Soccer 1-6A Goalkeeper of the Year; 2018-2019 Most Valuable Player; 2017-2018 Goalkeeper of the Year; 2016-2017 Freshman Newcomer of the Year and First-Team All-District 2017-2020. “I can’t wait to play soccer at the next level,” Pando said.
Yissel Olivares signed with Sul Ross State University for soccer. Her highlights include four-year varsity player who earned MVP in the 2016-2017 Lubbock Tournament and First-Team All-District 2018-2020. Olivares is also part of the Socorro Early College. “I am very excited to start this next chapter of my life,” Olivares said.
Sarayi Serrano signed with Sul Ross State University for soccer. Her highlights include team goal leader and a four-year varsity player who earned 2017-2018 first-team All-District and 2017-2018 first-team All-City. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get here after my injury. I am so grateful for everyone who was there for me,” Serrano said.
Clarissa Yamaguchi signed with Paul Quinn College for soccer. Her highlights include four-year varsity player who earned first-team All-District in 2019-2020, second-team All-District in 2018-2019 and was team captain her junior and senior year. “Thank you to everyone who believed in me to get here,” Yamaguchi said.
Published June 9, 2020
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