Andree Salazar made a major splash as a freshman, being named captain of the Americas High School varsity boys’ soccer team midway through his first year, showcasing his remarkable leadership and talent.
His success carried into his sophomore year. Not only did Andree lead the Trailblazers to their first regional championship in March, but he also helped the team reach its first-ever state semifinal game this year.
“I was nervous and excited, you know, because like I said, it was history,” said Andree, the team’s central midfielder, about playing in the UIL Texas Class 5A, Division 1 semifinal at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland on April 4. “Knowing that you're able to be part of such a big thing makes me feel special.”
Andree was named to the 5A Division 1 Boys 2024-2025 All-Tournament Team by the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches for his remarkable performance in the state soccer tournament.
In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments, Andree was selected to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Socorro ISD Board of Trustees regular meeting in April 2025.
Andree first kicked a soccer ball in Pre-K. Since then, Andree's commitment to teamwork shines through in every dribble, pass, and goal, making him a standout player and leader on and off the field.
He credits much of the team's success to their motto, “Unidos,” which means "united" in English and reflects the team’s culture of collaboration, respect, and a positive mindset, whether they win or lose.
Before stepping onto the field, the Trailblazers encouraged each other with phrases like “You can do it!” and “Echale ganas!” or “Give it your all!” in English.
"They're strong people, very talented," Andree said about his teammates. "They're people that have good mindsets. If one of them, you know, gives up or anything, another teammate comes in and helps them, lifts them up. That's what I love about them."
Andree is also grateful to his coaches, whom he credits for helping build the players' confidence.
“They push us to the max and with that we became better players and better people,” Andree said.
Jair Olivares, head coach of the Americas boys' soccer team, said it was great to see his athletes, like Andree, develop their skills and enjoy the game of soccer. He was especially proud that the team made history this year for the school, district, and city.
Andree was one of three players who scored a goal during the regional semifinal, helping the team advance to the Texas UIL Elite 8 in the 5A Division soccer playoffs for the first time in 13 years. The Trailblazers defeated El Dorado High School in the playoffs on March 31, allowing them to reach the Final Four for the first time in the school's history.
Coach Olivares emphasized that Andree was not only a standout player but also a role model for his teammates, excelling in both sports and academics while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
“First of all, the motivation is that if they don't pass their classes, they cannot play,” Olivares said. “So, I believe, that's the first motivator, right? But Andree is not only focusing on passing his classes, but he’s also focusing on doing an excellent job there. He is exceeding expectations there, and I believe that it comes from his home. His family is very supportive.”
At home, Andree’s father, Arturo Salazar, said grades come first. The family has always been very supportive of helping Andree work toward his goal of earning a soccer scholarship to attend college and become a professional soccer player.
In addition to attending every one of his high school games, the family also supports Andree by cheering him on during his matches with the El Paso Locomotive Youth Soccer Club.
"That's what we are here for, to back him up and help him try to accomplish his goals," Arturo Salazar said. "And whatever happens, for him to have memories to remember when he's older."
Andree is already looking forward to the Trailblazers new season and the 7 a.m. workouts starting in August. He intends to focus on enhancing his own skills while also helping the team’s freshmen improve their game, so they can achieve the same success the team experienced this year.
Andree’s advice for the new recruits is: “Try your best and whatever happens, just know you're with us and you're on an amazing team. We have great coaches and be thankful for the opportunity.”