Several Socorro Independent School District high school student-athletes signed letters of intent Feb. 1 on National Signing Day.
Football, baseball, soccer, softball, and track and cross-country athletes from Americas, Eastlake, Montwood, and Pebble Hills high schools will move on to continue their athletic careers and academic studies at their prospective colleges and universities.
The signees were recognized for their athletic accomplishments, such as being multi-sport athletes, most valuable players, all-district team members, and academic successes, as well, including being part of the Top 10 percent of their class.
Here is a look at the latest students to sign their letters of intent in Socorro ISD.
Americas High School
Micaela Aguilar, a shortstop and third-base softball player, signed her letter of intent with Our Lady of the Lake University, where she plans to study biology. She is a four-year varsity letterman and a multi-sport athlete, having played basketball all four years of her high school tenure. Her softball accolades include 2021 2nd Team All-District, 2022 1st Team All-District, and making the 2022 Final Four State Playoff. Aguilar is part of the Trailblazers Early College program and is on track to receive her associate degree in biological sciences from El Paso Community College by the end of the year. She is also a part of the National Honors Society, the Spanish National Society, AVID, Academic Decathlon, and DECA. She will be competing in state for DECA this coming spring. Aguilar is in the top 15 percent of her graduating class.
“Going to play at the next level is a dream come true," Aguilar said. "I have worked so hard, and it is finally paying off. Being a Trailblazer has helped me develop into the student-athlete I am today.”
Eastlake High School
Caleb Emery, a defensive lineman and 3-year varsity letterman, signed his letter of intent to play football with Eastern New Mexico University, where he plans to study business administration. Emery is a team captain whose accolades include 2022 First Team All-District Defensive Linemen, 2022 El Paso Times All-City First Team, 2022 TSWA All-State Honorable Mention Defensive Linemen, 2023 First Team All-District Defensive Linemen, 2023 El Paso Times All-City Second Team Defensive Linemen, 2023 Greater El Paso Senior Showcase Football Player / Red Storm, and 2023 Greater El Paso Senior Showcase Defensive Linemen Most Valuable Player. He is a multi-sport athlete, also participating on the track and field team. In track and field, Emery is recognized as a top shot-put thrower district, region, and statewide.
“Having an opportunity to sign and play college football has always been on top of my priority list,” Emery said. “Having the opportunity to sign on at Eastern New Mexico University allows me to close the chapter on my career here at Eastlake and get ready for the challenges ahead.”
Hector Hinojos, a linebacker and 3-year varsity letterman, signed his letter of intent to play football with Western New Mexico University, where he plans to study business administration. Hinojos is a team captain whose accolades for football include 2022 First Team All-District Linebacker, 2022 First Team El Paso Times Linebacker, 2022 TSWA Second Team All-State Linebacker, 2023 News Channel 9 Fine 9 Football Player / Linebacker, 2023 First Team All-District Linebacker, 2023 First Team El Paso Times All-City Linebacker and 2023 Greater El Paso Senior Showcase Football Player / Blue Thunder. He is a multi-sport athlete, also participating on the Eastlake wrestling team. In wrestling, Hinojos is a four-year varsity letterman, a three-time regional qualifier, and a two-time state qualifier at 170 pounds.
"I am truly blessed and grateful to be given the opportunity to compete at the next level," Hinojos said. "This is only the beginning for me."
Julian Melucci, a kicker and the first-ever four-year varsity letterman at Eastlake High School for the football program, signed his letter of intent with Sul Ross State University, where he plans to study kinesiology. His accolades for football include 2019 First Team All-District Kicker, 2020 First Team All-District Kicker, 2021 First Team All-District Kicker, 2022 First Team El Paso Times All-City Kicker, 2022 TSWA Second Team All-State Kicker, 2022 THSCA All-State Academic Recipient, 2023 Texas Football Dave Campbell's Pre-Season All-State Team, 2023 First Team All-District Kicker, 2023 First Team El Paso Times All-City Kicker, and 2023 Greater El Paso Senior Showcase Football Player / Red Storm. Melucci is a tri-sport athlete who participated for two years in the Eastlake soccer program and three years on the Eastlake golf team. During the 2020 soccer season, he was a member of the Elite 8 soccer team in which Melucci played as a defender. While on the golf team, Melucci has served as the team's number-one golfer and has played in several of El Paso's most prominent golf tournaments.
"I feel great. It's been a goal of mine that I'm excited to have the opportunity to accomplish," Melucci said. "I thank my parents and teammates who supported me along the way, but most of all, I owe it to my coaches, especially Coach Rod, for putting me in the best position to achieve. "
Esaui Uribe, a safety and two-year varsity letterman, signed his letter of intent to play football with Sul Ross State University, where he plans to study kinesiology. In football, his accolades include 2022 Second Team All-District Safety, 2022 THSCA All-State Academic Recipient, and 2023 First Team All-District Safety. Uribe is a multi-sport athlete who also participates in track and field. In track and field, Uribe is a sprinter, high jumper, and four-year varsity letterman.
“Signing to play college ball is a great experience and knowing that I’m going to play at the next level is truly a blessing,” Uribe said.
Eastlake High School signing event photos
Montwood High School
Kassandra Jimenez, a cross country and track runner and three-year varsity letterman, signed her letter of intent with the University of Texas at Arlington, where she plans to study mechanical engineering. Her athletic accolades include All-Region Runner in cross country and three-time qualifier, two-time All-Area Runner in track, two-time Regional Qualifier in track, three-time 1st Team All-District in cross country, two-time 1st Team All-District in track, State Qualifier, USTAF National Champion in Steeplechase, and three-time All-American 1500m, 3000m, and steeple chase. She is ranked in the Top 10 percent of her class.
“I’m really proud of myself and happy that I am here,” Jimenez said. “I am happy to have the support of my friends, family, coaches, and teachers. So, I am just so grateful for this opportunity.”
Andrew Rodriguez, a pitcher and baseman on the Rams baseball team, a two-year starter and a two-year varsity letterman, signed his letter of intent with Luna Community College where he plans to study business. Rodriguez is a 2022 All-District Pitcher. Academically, he made the All-Academic Team.
“It’s really a blessing to continue to play baseball at the next level and even my academic career at the next level,” Rodriguez said.
Montwood High School signing event photos
Pebble Hills High School
Omer Ibrahim, a cross country and track runner, signed his letter of intent with Tarleton State University, where he will study computer science. He was district cross country champion in 2022, placed third at regionals, and finished in fifth place at the 2022 UIL State Cross Country championship. He previously competed at state and finished in 8th place in cross country. He also finished in 2nd place in the 800m at state in 2021. Ibrahim holds a 4.0 GPA.
“Today feels great, and it is very much an honor to be able to go on to play to the next level,” Ibrahim said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how far I can push myself physically and academically.”
Briseis Gomez, a team captain for the girls’ soccer team, signed her letter of intent with Bethel College, where she plans to study business. Her athletic accolades include 2nd Team All-District; academically, she is an A/B honor roll student.
“Playing college soccer is a dream come true,” Gomez said. “I’ve always wanted to play at this level. It hasn’t been easy, and I have come close to quitting many times, so to be able to persevere and find a school that feels right is very comforting.”
Ixzayana Rodriguez, a soccer player, signed her letter of intent with the University of the Southwest, where she plans to study biology. She is a member of the first early college high school cohort at Pebble Hills High School.
“Today is very emotional,” Rodriguez said. “It’s great that all of us here today get to continue doing what we love.”
Anisia Serrano, a team captain for the girls’ soccer team who plays center-mid and center defense, signed her letter of intent with Eastern New Mexico University, where she plans to study biology. Her athletic accolades include Newcomer of the Year and two-time 1st Team All-District, while academically, Serrano is in the Top 10 percent of her class.
“I’m grateful to have everyone here with me today,” Serrano said. “Getting here today took a lot of hard work. I am thankful to my coaches and teacher for helping me get here.”
Jalile Bost, a wide receiver for the Spartan’s football team, signed his letter of intent to the University of Texas at El Paso, where he will study kinesiology.
“I chose to attend UTEP because this is home for me,” Bost said. “I’m not from here, I moved to El Paso from North Carolina, and the city has really taken me in.”
Robert Deal Jr., a football and baseball player, signed his letter of intent with Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kans., to play football and baseball, where he will study animal science. His football accolades include two-time All-District Linebacker, 1-6A Defensive MVP, All-City Defensive MVP, and Senior All-Star. His baseball accolades include All-District and All-City.
“Today feels good, and it’s great to see everyone here that’s supported me over the years,” Deal said.
Julian Venegas, a football player, signed his letter of intent with Sul Ross State University, where he plans to study business. Venegas earned All-District and Senior All-Star accolades.
“It’s an honor to go on to Sul Ross,” Venegas said. “I am thankful for my family, especially my mom for always being there for me.”
Pebble Hills High School signing event photos
Published February 9, 2023
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