Several Socorro Independent School District high school student-athletes put pen to paper signing with colleges and universities nationwide this spring to advance their athletic and academic careers.
The signees from Americas, Eastlake and Pebble Hills high schools were honored for their athletic achievements, including being named Most Valuable Players and being selected for all-district teams, as well as for their academic excellence.
Here is a look at the latest Socorro ISD students to sign their letters of intent.
Americas High School
Gisele Abascal, a track and cross-country athlete, signed her letter of intent with West Virginia State University. Abascal is a member of the 2024 UIL 5A District Cross Country championship team.
“I feel excited, a little nervous. It’s like a good thing,” Abascal said.
Isaac Arrieta, a baseball pitcher, signed his letter of intent with El Paso Community College. Arrieta is a 1st Team All-District 1-6A pitcher.
“I’m just excited to continue my career. It’s been a big thing since I was little. I’ve been wanting to play, go higher,” Arrieta said.
Leila Ayala, a volleyball 6 rotation outside and defensive specialist, signed her letter of intent with the New Mexico Military Institute. Ayala’s accolades include El Paso Times Athlete of the Week, TGCA 5A Academic All-State, and 5A Outstanding Hitter of the Year. She has been selected for the 2025 Blue All-Star team.
Jacob Estrada, a baseball second baseman and pitcher, signed his letter of intent with Luna Community College. Estrada’s accolades include 1-6A All-District Second Team pitcher.
“Thankful for everyone who has helped me succeed,” Estrada said.
Suri Fernanda Flores-Calderon, a softball player, signed her letter of intent with Midland College. Flores-Calderon is a final four finalist, four-year varsity player and an All-Academic team member. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Flores-Calderon participates in AVID, DECA, and HOSA, and is on the A/B Honor Roll.
“I’m committed to bringing my best every day and doing everything I can to make my coaches, family, teammates and supporters proud. I can’t wait to begin my new journey and make an impact both on and off the field,” Flores-Calderon said.
Esteban Herrera, a baseball center fielder and outfielder, signed his letter of intent with New Mexico Highlands University. Herrera is a member of the 1-6A district baseball championship team. He is a 1-6A All-District First Team Outfielder and he participated in the 2024 Five Tool All-Festival Team.
“Blessed to announce that I have committed to New Mexico Highlands to continue my athletic and academic career. I am so grateful to all my family, friends, and coaches who helped me along the way to allow me to be where I am today. Can’t wait to do big things! Go Cowboys!” Herrera said.
Lucas McDonald, a baseball player, signed his letter of intent with New Mexico Highlands University. McDonald’s accolades include 1-6A All-District First Team.
"Believe you can, and you're halfway there,” McDonald said.
Isabella Nuñez, a volleyball pin/setter, signed her letter of intent with Grand Canyon University. Nuñez is a Defensive Player of the Year, All-District MVP and TGCA 5A All-State Team.
“I’m super excited. It’s a great school and I can’t wait,” Nuñez said.
Diego Romero, a track and cross-country athlete, signed his letter of intent with the University of Incarnate World. Romero is a two-time All-State and state qualifier and regional champion.
"Blessed to continue my passion to the next level,” Romero said.
Lexee Rae Salas, a volleyball setter, signed her letter of intent with the University of Texas at El Paso. Salas is a member of the 2024 5A District volleyball championship team. She is All-District First Team and All-City Second Team. She was named Texas Female Athlete of the Month for September.
“I am extremely excited to play Division 1 volleyball at The University of Texas at El Paso. I would like to thank my family, friends, and coaches for supporting and helping me get to where I am today. I wouldn't have been able to do it without all of your support,” Salas said. “Thank you, Coach Ben Wallis, for giving me this opportunity to continue my athletic career. I'm excited to represent El Paso and play in my city! GOD IS SO GOOD! Go Miners! Picks Up!”
Odalys Solis, a softball utility player, signed her letter of intent with the University of Texas Permian Basin. Solis’s accolades include 2023 and 2024 1-6A All-District First Team selection and El Paso All-City Honorable Mention.
“None of my success would have been possible if not for the love and support of the adults around me,” Solis said.
Lilia Yañez, a track and cross-country athlete, signed her letter of intent with Emory and Henry University. Yañez is a member of the 2024 UIL 5A District Cross Country championship team and a Triple ‘A’ recipient in the XC Region Qualifier. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, she is a two-time UIL state congressional debate tournament qualifier, three-time TFA state qualifier and two-time DECA state qualifier.
“Sometimes, life does not come as you expect it too. What you face can be difficult to surmise in small amount of time. That speaks true to this sport and the influence it has maintained for the past seven years,” Yañez said. “Despite all the times I threatened to quit, to fall to my mind, I kept in my heart a quote from the person who influenced my journey the most, Coach Kaitlyn Guerrero. In every second I felt I had to quit, to make it all come to a close, I heard her voice reciting, ‘Your mind will give up, but your body is capable of 100x more than what it will allow. You. Can. Do. This.’”
Ever Zavala, a shortstop and pitcher, signed his letter of intent with New Mexico Highlands University. Zavala is a member of the 1-6A district and 6A bi-district baseball championship team.
Eastlake High School
Gabriella Martinez, a softball player, signed her letter of intent with El Paso Community College, where she plans to study kinesiology. Martinez was named Second Team All-District and Lone Star Preps Top Third Basemen. She is in the school’s culinary arts program.
“I couldn't be happier and more grateful to be in the position I'm in today,” Martinez said.
Lena Rojas, a softball player, signed her letter of intent with El Paso Community College, where she plans to study psychology. Rojas’s accolades include Second Team All-District. She is in the school’s criminal justice program, where she has earned a level 2 security certificate.
“I am excited I am committing to EPCC and glad to stay here another two years and play the sport I have loved since I was a kid,” Rojas said.
Pebble Hills High School
Riley Cassiday, a catcher and third base softball player, signed her letter of intent with Odessa College, where she plans to study forensic science and biology. Cassiday’s accolades include All District and All-Academic team member from 2022 to 2024. She was named 2024 All-State 2nd Team catcher and has served as varsity captain and class representative for the past four years. Cassiday participates in HOSA, National Technical Honor Society, the Gifted and Talented Program and is currently in the top 10% of her class.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to continue playing softball and being a member of a successful program. The support and assistance I’ve received from the coaches and academic team have been incredible. Being able to pursue my academic goals while playing the game I love is surreal,” Cassiday said. “Can’t wait to be a Wrangler!”
Abigail Cox, a softball outfielder and first baseman, signed her letter of intent with Hesston College, where she plans to study nursing. Cox received All-District Honorable Mentions in 2022 and 2023. She is currently ranked in the top three percent of her class and received her associate degree from El Paso Community College in 2024 through the school’s early college program.
“I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given at Pebble Hills and look forward to representing the community and myself at the next level. With hard work, dedication, and perseverance, anything is possible. Never stop dreaming,” Cox said.
Dorian Jaramillo, a linebacker and wrestler, signed his letter of intent with Tyler Junior College to play football, where he plans to major in general studies. Jaramillo was named 2024-2025 District 1-6A Defensive Most Valuable Player, El Paso Times Defensive Most Valuable Player and Sports Illustrated All West Texas Region Second Team. His wrestling accolades include 1-6A District Champion for 215lbs.
“I’ve very excited for my future to begin at TJC,” Jaramillo said.
Zereian Quarles, a running back, signed his letter of intent with Cisco College, where he plans to study exercise science. Quarles’ accolades include 2025 1-6A Offensive MVP, 2024 1-6A First Team All-District Running Back, and 2024 and 2025 El Paso Times All-City Running Back. He also holds the school’s single season rushing record.
“It feels good that everything I’ve worked for the past for years is paying off,” Quarles said.
Isabel Ramos, a softball center fielder, signed her letter of intent with Texas A&M University – Texarkana, where she plans to study business marketing. Ramos’s athletic highlights include 2024 Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Honorable Mention, District 1-6A 1st Team All-District, Academic All-District and Team Co-MVP. She has a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the Sparta Business Academy and serves on the GECU Student Board of Directors.
“I’m grateful for everyone who was part of my journey, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” Ramos said.
Syan Saldana, a softball outfielder and first baseman, signed her letter of intent with Cottey College, where she plans to major in business. Saldana’s accolades include 2023 and 2024 All-District 2nd Team and USA All-American Game selectee for TCS Colorado Sparkler. She is a member of the All-Academic team from 2022 to 2024.
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to play four more years and call Cottey College my home,” Saldana said.