Spring 2024 has been a bustling time for student-athletes in the Socorro Independent School District.
This season, 24 top student-athletes signed letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at their respective colleges.
They were recognized for their exceptional athletic and leadership abilities and for their strong performance in the classroom.
Congratulations to these outstanding student-athletes as they look ahead to their next academic and athletic goals.
National Signing Day
With the support of their families, friends, and coaches, 19 student-athletes from Eastlake, Montwood and Pebble Hills high schools signed to play baseball, football, soccer, softball, volleyball or wrestling at various colleges and universities across the U.S. on National Signing Day, Feb. 7.
Eastlake High School
Roman Hernandez, a football offensive lineman, signed his letter of intent with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he expects to study criminal justice. Hernandez is a 2022 First Team All-District offensive lineman; 2023 First Team All-District offensive lineman and he earned a THSCA Academic All-State honorable mention. He is a member of the school’s law enforcement program.
“This shows that if I can do it, you can do it,” Hernandez said. “Don’t ever doubt yourself. Just keep working at it.”
Elias Rivera, a pitcher and third baseman, signed his letter of intent with Mesa Community College, where he plans to study criminal justice and psychology. Rivera is a 2-6A All-District pitcher and third baseman, three-year varsity letterman, and he broke the school’s record for the most home runs in a single season. He is a member of the school’s law enforcement program.
“I’m most excited about going and experiencing the collegiate (environment),” Rivera said. “The talent is very different compared to high school. I like to compete. I’m very excited to do that and hopefully rank up there.”
Montwood High School
Mia Alvillar, a member of the girls’ soccer team, signed her letter of intent with Texas Wesleyan University, where she plans to study education. Alvillar has earned Second Team All-District and All-District honorable mention accolades.
“I'm so thankful to my coaches and my family,” Alvillar said. “I’m very blessed with this opportunity to be able to continue my soccer career at the collegiate level. It was a lot of work, but it all paid off in the end, and I will continue to work hard.”
Madelynn Cox, a member of the girls’ soccer team, signed her letter of intent with University of the Southwest, where she intends to study kinesiology. Cox is a two-year varsity letterman.
"I started soccer my freshman year, and I had to work my way up with all of the competition," Cox said. “So, mentally, I feel that I'm prepared for the next level because I've been having to work harder than others to reach that level of competitiveness. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and given me that motivation."
Margarita Norez, a wrestler, signed her letter of intent with Wayland Baptist University. Norez placed fifth in the 107 pound division at the 2024 UIL Wrestling State Tournament.
"I want to be a role model for other people and show them that you don't have to be the best of the best; as long as you put hard work into it, you'll get somewhere," Norez said. "I want to thank my parents, uncle, coach, and everybody for giving me this opportunity."
Daniela Portillo, a member of the girls’ soccer team, signed her letter of intent with New Mexico State University, where she plans to study criminal justice. Portillo is a three-time Offensive MVP, First Team All-City soccer player, First Team All-District soccer player and 2021 Newcomer of the Year.
“It’s been something I’ve been dreaming of since I was four years old,” Portillo said. “It’s unfortunate that my senior year got cut short due to an injury, but I know it’s a part of God’s plan, and I’ll come back stronger.”
Gavin Ramos, a wrestler, signed his letter of intent with Colorado Mesa University. Ramos is a four-time 6A District champion, three-time regional champion, three-time state qualifier and 2023 UIL 6A State Wrestling Champion.
“I was excited for today because I’m signing up to my new life as a college student,” Ramos said. “And I’m excited to wrestle for my new team, and I’m ready to show what I got.”
Damian Robles, a member of the boys’ baseball team, signed his letter of intent with the University of Texas Permian Basin, where he plans to study engineering. Robles is a three-year varsity letterman.
“I’m excited and a little nervous to take the next step in my life to go play college baseball,” Robles said. “I'm excited to see where this path takes me in life. I want to say thank you to everyone who helped me out in this journey.”
Jayda Villa, a member of the girls’ soccer team, signed her letter of intent with Sul Ross State University, where she expects to study criminal justice. Villa is a First Team All-District soccer player, Second Team All-District soccer player and All-City soccer team player.
"I worked really hard, and my parents helped me very much,” Villa said. “The coaches that I've been with really brought me to this point to be able to play at the collegiate level. Thank you for all the support, to all the coaches, and to my family. I came to this part of my life because of them."
Pebble Hills High School
Ghazi Al-Hofry, a football offensive tackle, signed his letter of intent with New Mexico Highlands University, where he expects to study nursing and medicine. Al-Hofry’s accolades include three-time All-District offensive lineman, three-time Academic All-District team, two-time All-City offensive lineman and 2023 915 Senior Football Showcase player.
“This recruiting process has been the most challenging and the most humbling experience I have ever faced,” Al-Hofry said. “The Highlands staff has done great communicating with me and making me feel at home. I can’t thank them enough for giving me this opportunity to go to the next level.”
Juan Hernandez IV, a varsity wrestler, signed his letter of intent with Tarleton University, where he plans to study history. Hernandez is a four-year varsity wrestler, three-time All-City wrestler, three-time regional qualifier, two-time regional placer, and Bowie Wrestling Invitational and Eastwood Wrestling Invitational champion. He is an honor roll student and a member of the school’s biomedical program.
“I am grateful for this opportunity,” Hernandez said. “To wrestle at the college level is a lifelong dream of mine. I am so blessed.”
Renee Leon, a soccer midfielder, signed her letter of intent with Eastern New Mexico University, where she expects to study physical therapy. Leon is team captain of the Spartan girls soccer team, an All-District team athlete and four-year varsity letterman.
“I’m excited to continue my soccer career at the collegiate level,” Leon said. “It’s a dream come true, mostly because I’m staying close to home. I’m ready to continue working and see where this path takes me.”
Talina Mendez, a utility softball player, signed her letter of intent with Trinidad State College, where she intends to study biology. Mendez’s accolades include Second Team All-District her sophomore year and First Team All-District and All-City team honorable mention her junior year. She is in the top 15 percent of her class and a member of the Sparta Business Academy and the school’s biomedical program.
“I am so grateful that I will be able to play the sport I love while also working toward my academic goals," Mendez said. “I would not have been able to reach this point without all the amazing people who have supported me, including my friends, teammates, coaches, teachers and my family. I cannot wait to start this new chapter of my life.”
Aaron Ortega, a football kicker, signed his letter of intent with Muskingum University, where he plans to study physical therapy. He is a three-time special teams player of the week.
“I’m just very grateful to be able to continue my journey and become successful in life,” Ortega said.
Michael Parker, a football defensive end, signed his letter of intent with Western New Mexico University, where he expects to study forestry and wildland fire management.
I’d like to thank my family, my mom and my sisters for supporting me every step of the way,” Parker said. “I’d also like to thank my teammates and my coaches for pushing me to become the person that I am here today.”
Justyne Sierra, an OPP hitter and outside hitter on the varsity volleyball team, signed her letter of intent with Sul Ross State University where she plans to study animal science. She ended her senior year with 96 sets played, 102 kills, 20 blocks, and 81 digs. Sierra has a 4.0 GPA and is enrolled in dual credit classes. She will graduate high school with a veterinary assistant certificate and currently has 160 hours of volunteer hours at the El Paso Animal Shelter.
“I would like to primarily thank my parents for their continued support and for loving me even when I was not loveable,” Sierra said. “Thanks to all my coaches who have been a part of my journey and have contributed to my success. I also want to thank my teammates for always pushing me to be better.”
Marcus Paul Torres, a football wide receiver, signed his letter of intent with the University of Texas at El Paso, where he intends to study business administration. Torres is a three-time All-District at punt return and wide receiver, two-time All-City wide receiver, three-time Academic All-District team athlete, THSCA Academic All-State recipient and 2023 915 Senior Football Showcase player. He will be graduating from Pebble Hills Early College High School with an associate degree from El Paso Community College.
“It took a lot of hard work,” Torres said. “My dad was my head coach (at Pebble Hills), so I think that had something to do with getting me to the next level. He pushed me harder than most people. Big blessing for that.”
Amari Welch, a football defensive back, signed his letter of intent with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he expects to study computer science. Welch has earned two-time All-District team, two-time All-City team and Academic All-District team accolades.
“I would like to thank my family for always being there for me when I needed them the most,” Welch said. “Without my dad, I can confidently say I wouldn’t be in this position and be the man that I am today. I would also like to thank my coaching staff and my teammates for pushing me to be a better player.”
Tyrese White, a football offensive tackle, signed his letter of intent with New Mexico Highlands University where he plans to study kinesiology. White’s accolades include First Team All-District and First Team All-City athlete.
“I would like to thank Coach (Anthony) Jaramillo,” White said. “Without Coach Jaramillo, I would be nowhere near the player that I am today. I feel like this is the man responsible for me even signing today. He turned me into the player I am today.”
Socorro High School
On Feb. 8 and 9, four Socorro High School Bulldogs celebrated their commitment to pursue higher education and play their sports at Cisco College and New Mexico Highlands University.
On Feb. 8, Krisilyn Corral, a softball utility player, signed her letter of intent with Cisco College, where she plans to obtain an associate science degree. Corral’s accolades include 2021 freshman of the year and 2022 District 1-6A offensive player of the year. She received an All-State utility player honorable mention from the Texas Sports Writers Association. She is a certified patient care technician.
“I want to thank God for guiding me in this journey,” Corral said. “I want to thank Coach Prickett and Coach Sav (at Cisco College) for giving me the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career. I want to thank my parents for helping me through this journey and my family for being there for me. I want to thank my coaches for helping me get to where I am today.”
On Feb. 9, football players Adrian Acosta II, Diego Aguirre and Javier Figueroa signed their letters of intent to continue their education and football careers at New Mexico Highlands University.
Acosta, a running back, plans to study criminal justice. He is a 6A First Team All-District player and a Greater El Paso Football Showcase athlete.
“I feel more than blessed to receive this opportunity,” Acosta said.
Aguirre, a slot receiver, intends to study business. He earned a Second Team All-District accolade.
“It feels great,” Aguirre said. “It’s always been a dream to commit to college football, so I’m very excited. I expect myself to come out and do what I did here.”
Figueroa, an offensive and defensive lineman, plans to study business. His accolades include First Team All-District nominee and Second Team All-District Honorable Mention.
“I’m very grateful for being given the opportunity to fulfill a dream I’ve had since middle school,” Figueroa said.
Pebble Hills High School
On March 1, Pebble Hills Spartan Natalie Franco, a track and cross-country athlete, signed her letter of intent with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she plans to study nursing. She is a four-year varsity letterman, two time UIL 6A regional qualifier, and she currently holds the school’s female 3200-meter run record. Franco has a 4.0 GPA and is on track to graduate in the top 10% of her class. She is a University of Texas Rio Grande Valley distinguished scholarship recipient.
“I am very excited about running at the next level,” Franco said. “It feels as if all my hard work over the past four years has paid off. I know I need to continue to improve my times, so that I can make the starting seven next year.”