Socorro Independent School District high school student-athletes had an exceptional 2023-24 school year. Numerous senior athletes from across the district made a significant impact by earning scholarships to pursue their academic and athletic aspirations at the collegiate level.
Congratulations to these outstanding student-athletes as they aim for further success in their next academic and athletic goals!
Americas High School
Alejandro Cedillo, a swimmer, signed his letter of intent with West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he plans to study computer science. Cedillo qualified for regionals three times. He won third place in the San Angelo invitational and fourth place in the 100M butterfly at the UIL District meet.
“This has been 14 years of hard work and dedication from not just me, but from my parents, coaches and teammates,” Cedillo said. “Each day has been an opportunity to work hard and make it here where I am today.”
Ana Chacon, a cheerleader, signed her letter of intent with Rice University, where she intends to study business. Chacon placed fifth in the NCA competition. She is a QuestBridge prep scholar, president of the high school’s Business Professionals of America student organization, winner of the Triple-A Business Professional of America Award and two-time BPA national qualifier.
“I am eternally grateful to Coach Garcia, my parents, siblings, friends, and Americas High School for their unconditional support throughout my high school career. Go Blazers!,” Chacon said.
Jacob Corral, a cross country and track athlete, signed his letter of intent with Western Texas College, where he intends to study physical therapy.
“The only way of achieving success consists of going through failure after failure without loss of motivation to get better,” said Corral, quoting Winston Churchill.
Mario Holguin, a football and basketball player, signed his letter of intent with Western New Mexico University for football. Holguin’s accolades include 1st team All-City, 1st team All-District and 1st team All-District defensive team for basketball.
“I would like to thank God and Coach Hickman for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to continue my football career,” Holguin said. “Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed about playing college football, and I’ve finally made my dreams reality.”
Cleo Marie Naranjo, a cross country and track athlete, signed her letter of intent with Bethel College, where she plans to study veterinary medicine. Naranjo was captain of the track, cross country, and volleyball teams. She is a three-time area qualifier and regional qualifier for track. She was First Team All-District for volleyball her sophomore and junior years. Naranjo’s other accolades include A and A/B Honor Roll and HOSA officer.
"Everyone sees the glory moments, but they don't see what happens behind the scenes,” said Naranjo, quoting Allison Felix.
Anthony Miranda, a football and basketball player, signed his letter of intent with Sul Ross University for football. Miranda is a 2021 District 1-6A 2nd team All-District offensive player. In 2022, he received District 1-6A 1st team All-District and honorable mention All-City honors. He is also a District 1-6A All-City/ 1st team All-District.
“I feel very grateful and blessed,” Miranda said. “I wouldn’t be here without my dad and the Man above.”
Mark Moore, a football player, signed his letter of intent with New Mexico Highlands University. Moore is a 1-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year and 2023 1-6A Offensive Co-MVP. At the 2023 Greater El Paso Showcase, he was named Quarterback Challenge Overall Champion, Quarterback Challenge Longest Throw and Quarterback Challenge Touchdown King. At the 2021 and 2022, Greater El Paso Showcase, he won the Quarterback Challenge Longest Throw.
“I'd like to thank God and Coach Hudson for giving me the opportunity to continue playing football at the next level,” Moore said. “I was awarded $4,000 with my athletic scholarship, and as I was told by Coach Hudson, $4,000 is the most him and the university have awarded a player. I am very blessed for all of this and to see how much faith, belief, and courage the university, Coach Hudson and the coaching staff see in me.”
Americas High School signing event photos 4-15-24
Americas High School signing event photos 5-15-24
Eastlake High School
Alyssa Alba, a center midfielder on the girls’ soccer team, signed her letter of intent with St. Mary’s University, where she plans to study business and law. Alba is a 2020-21 and 2023-24 District 1-6A and bi-district champion. She is a First Team All-City soccer player, and she received the Eastlake Soccer Coaches Choice Award and was named Eastlake Athlete of the Year. Lozano also has earned TASCO Academic All-State honors.
“It feels great,” Alba said. “It’s been a really long journey, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity given to me to play at the next level.”
Michael Ayala, a striker on the boys’ soccer team, signed his letter of intent with the University of Houston-Victoria, where he intends to study business and finance. Ayala has been a First team All-District player multiple times. He is a top goal scorer in the city and has earned TASCO Academic All-State honors. Ayala was selected to play in the state All-Star game on May 11, 2024, in San Antonio.
“Receiving this scholarship has been a blessing,” Ayala said. “I am forever grateful to have the opportunity to continue playing the sport that I love at the collegiate level. I am excited and ready to enter this new chapter in my life.”
Gael Barragan, a midfielder on the boys’ soccer team, signed his letter of intent with Western Texas College, where he intends to study business and marketing. Barragan has played varsity soccer for three years. He has scored key goals in the playoffs and helped lead the Falcons to another Sweet 16 playoff appearance. He is a First Team All-District soccer player.
“I am very happy and excited to be playing at the next level,” Barragan said. “I am glad to have played for Eastlake.”
Lucas Brandon, a shooting guard on the basketball team, signed his letter of intent with the United States Coast Guard Academy, where he intends to study government and business management. His accolades include 2023-24 Second team All-District and 2022-23 All-District defense Team. He was named Eastlake basketball’s Offensive MVP.
“I’m very excited to be blessed with the opportunity to play basketball at the next level,” Brandon said.
Logan Duran, a defensive lineman on the football team, signed his letter of intent with New Mexico Highlands University, where he plans to study interdisciplinary studies. Duran is a First Team All-District defensive lineman and El Paso Times Second Team All-City defensive lineman. He has earned 1-6A District Academic Honors.
“Excited about the opportunity to play football at the next level,” Duran said. “It’s been a great time here at Eastlake High School both academically and athletically. My time here has prepared me for a future as a college athlete, and I look forward to starting that chapter of my life.”
Diego Floriano, a midfielder on the boys’ soccer team, signed his letter of intent with St. Mary’s University, where he expects to study business information. Floriano has played varsity soccer for three years. He was instrumental in helping the Falcons return to the playoffs year after year and to another Sweet 16 playoff appearance. He is a First Team All-District soccer player, Second Team All-Region soccer player and he has earned TASCO Academic All-State honors.
“I am very happy to continue playing at the next level,” Floriano said. “My goal was to make my parents proud of the passion I have for soccer. With that I was able to get a scholarship for my academics and soccer playing ability. My dream is now a reality.”
Milynda Lozano, a center midfielder on the girls’ soccer team, signed her letter of intent with Texas A&M International University, where she plans to study nursing. Lozano is a 2020-21 and 2023-24 District 1-6A and bi-district champion. She also earned honorable mentions in 2022-23 and 2023-24 and TASCO Academic All-State honors.
“It feels amazing,” Lozano said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my mom and my dad and all my teammates. I’m just super excited to go on to the next level.”
Juan Quezada Jr., an offensive lineman on the football team, signed his letter of intent with New Mexico Highlands University, where he intends to study sports medicine. Quezada is a First Team All-District offensive lineman. He earned the El Paso Times All-City offensive lineman honorable mention.
“I’m blessed to be in the situation of pursuing not only a college education, but also to be a student athlete at the next level,” Quezada Jr. said. “Time has come and flown by here at Eastlake, but my hard work and preparation is going to put me in a place to be successful.”
Eastlake High School signing event photos
El Dorado High School
Leyda Martinez, a utility softball player, signed her letter of intent with Dallas Christian College, where she plans to study business management and law. Her accolades include 2022 bi-district championship and 2023 Second Team All-District athlete.
“I feel blessed to be part of the seven percent of athletes who get to play at the next level and to be given the opportunity to prove myself,” Martinez said.
Deaven Medina, a football offensive lineman, signed his letter of intent with Eastern New Mexico University, where he plans to study business management. Medina is the El Dorado football team’s captain. His accolades include 1-5A All-District Team, two-time 1-6A All-District Team and captain of the 2023 El Paso Football Senior Showcase All Star Game.
“I am extremely grateful and blessed and ready to get to work,” Medina said.
Jackie Schmidt, a softball shortstop and centerfielder, signed her letter of intent with Texas A&M University Texarkana, where she expects to study nursing. Schmidt is a 6A co-offensive MVP, First Team El Paso Times All-City athlete, 6A All-State player and 5A-6A Red/Blue All-Star Game player. She is in the top 10% of her class and four-time 5A / 6A All-Academic Team.
“I am grateful to be able to play at the next level,” Schmidt said. “I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey.”
El Dorado High School signing event photos
Montwood High School
Nicholas Bustillos, a member of the boys’ soccer team, signed his letter of intent with the FC Odisea International Football Academy in Spain. Bustillos is a member of the Bi-District and Area championships soccer team, and he earned a District 1-6A honorable mention.
“I always believed in me, and that's all you need,” Bustillos said.
Alexis Galarza, a member of the boys’ soccer team, signed his letter of intent with the University of the Southwest. Galarza was the team captain and a member of the Bi-District and Area championships soccer team.
“It's not about being better than someone else, it's about being better than you were the day before,” said Galarza, quoting Roy Rodgers.
Madison Gonzalez, a cheerleader, signed her letter of intent with the University of Texas at Dallas, where she plans to study language/hearing. Gonzalez is a student body parliamentarian, certified EKG technician and member of National Technical Honor Society and AVID.
“After a challenging year, I am excited to continue my cheer career,” Gonzalez said.
William McLilly, a track and field athlete, signed his letter of intent with Eastern New Mexico University, where he will study marine biology. McLilly’s accolades include four-time district champ, two-time area qualifier, one-time area champ and one-time regional qualifier.
“I feel excited and eager to get to work at the next level,” McLilly said.
Luke Mena, a cheerleader, signed his letter of intent with the University of Texas at El Paso, where he plans to study nursing. Mena is a recipient of a UTEP Academic Scholarship. He is an NCA-All American cheerleader.
“Stepping up to collegiate cheerleading is an exhilarating challenge that pushes me to new heights,” Mena said. “The intensity and precision required at these levels drives me to improve every day. It's not just about the stunts, and routines; it's about the teamwork and the bond we create as a squad. Competing and performing at the collegiate level is a dream come true and it is an honor to represent my school with pride and dedication.”
Tayen Truelove, a cheerleader, signed her letter of intent with the University of Texas at El Paso, where she plans to study biology. Truelove is a recipient of the UTEP Merit Excellence scholarship. She is an Emerald Elite outstanding leadership student, an Emerald Elite outstanding varsity cheerleader, and a NCA All-American cheerleader.
"Mind over matter, and God is within her she will not fail,” said Truelove, quoting Psalm 46:5.
Jordan Zubia, a cheerleader, signed her letter of intent with the University of Texas at El Paso, where she will study business. Zubia is a NCA-All American cheerleader.
“It’s amazing how one ending can lead to a beautiful beginning,” Zubia said.
Montwood High School signing event photos
Pebble Hills High School
Jacob Alvarez, a pitcher and third baseman, signed his letter of intent with Odessa College, where he plans to study general studies. Alvarez is a 2022 and 2023 bi-district champion and All-District baseman. He was selected to play in the 2024 Texas High School Baseball All-State All-Star game.
“I’m very proud that my hard work and dedication has helped me continue to play baseball at the collegiate level,” Alvarez.
Julissa Daniels, a track and field sprinter, signed her letter of intent with New Mexico State University, where she intends to study agricultural biology. Daniels is a two-time regional qualifier in the 200-meter dash in 2023 and 2024 and a regional qualifier in the 100-meter dash in 2024. She is a 2024 district winner in the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash and an area runner up in the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash. Daniels holds the school record for the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash. She was on the A Honor Roll and earned Academic All-State honors.
“I’m excited to continue my journey,” Daniels said.
Mia Gonzalez, a flyer and tumbler on the cheerleading team, signed her letter of intent with New Mexico State University, where she plans to study psychology. She has won accolades for best flyer and top tumbling skills and, academically, she is an A-B honor student with a 3.8 GPA.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity on getting an athletic scholarship and continuing my cheer career,” Gonzalez said. “I’m very excited to start my new journey as a college cheerleader.”
Kyra Hall, an outside and middle hitter on the girls’ volleyball team, signed her letter of intent with New Mexico Military Institute, where she plans to study veterinary science. Hall was the 2023 team captain and Second Team All-District athlete. She ended her high school career with 92 sets played, 184 kills, 58 service points, including five aces, 34 solo blocks, nine block assists and 45 digs.
“Kyra Hall is excited and grateful to continue her academic and athletic career on a full ride scholarship,” said coach Marcela Rocha.
Jazmin Hernandez, a defender on the girls’ soccer team, signed her letter of intent with Wayland Baptist University, where she intends to study pre-physical therapy/occupational therapy. Hernandez is a three-year varsity student-athlete and All-District athlete. She earned a THSCA Academic Award.
“I am honored to continue playing the sport I love at the next level, and I am ready to experience college life doing what I love most,” Hernandez said.
Brian Lira, a defender on the boys’ soccer team, signed his letter of intent with Manchester University, where he plans to study business administration. His senior year, Lira was part of the team that won the bi-district, area and regional quarterfinal championships. He is a First Team All-District soccer player. Lira will earn an associate degree from El Paso Community College on May 10 from Pebble Hills High School Early College program.
“Thank you to my parents, sister, teammates, coaches, friends and those who have helped me in getting to where I am today,” Lira said.
Natalia Gonzalez, a middle and right-side hitter on the girls’ volleyball team, signed her letter of intent with Dallas College-North Lake Campus, where she intends to study pre-med to become an anesthesiologist. Gonzalez was Second Team All-District in 2023 and 2024 and a 2024 EPGCA All-Star Athlete. She ended her career with 102 sets played, 209 kills, 144 service points, 28 aces, 26 solo blocks, 10 block assists and 96 digs. Gonzalez is on track to graduate with a 4.0 GPA.
“I feel honored and excited to be blessed with this opportunity to play at the next level,” Gonzalez said. “I am super thankful for my parents and coaches who have guided me through this amazing journey.”
Noah Singh, a pitcher, signed his letter of intent with Wayland Baptist University, where he will study in the pre-dental program. Singh’s accolades include Second Team All-District and 2023 bi-district championship.
“I’m beyond blessed and grateful to be given this opportunity. This is all God’s work,” Singh said. I’m really excited and looking forward to pursuing my dream of being able to play baseball at the next level.”
Andrea Teruel, a track and field sprinter, signed her letter of intent with Ranger College, where she plans to study psychology. Teruel is a two-time area qualifier.
“I’m looking forward to college,” Teruel said.
Pebble Hills High School signing event photos
Socorro High School
Nicolas Amparan, a soccer midfielder, signed his letter of intent with University of the Southwest, where he plans to study kinesiology. Amparan was First Team All-District in 2023-24, 2022-23 and 2021-22.
“It is a great achievement to have obtained this sports scholarship, which was what we were looking for,” Amparan said. “I am very grateful to all the people who have always supported me.”
Abraham Beltran, a soccer forward, signed his letter of intent with Sul Ross State University, where he plans to study kinesiology. He was a key player in the team’s 2021-2022 bi-district championship.
“I feel really proud because I worked hard to be in this position,” Beltran said.
Adrian Beltran, a baseball outfielder and left-handed pitcher, signed his letter of intent with Frank Phillips College, where he plans to study business. Beltran’s accolades include 2023 Second Team All-District outfielder and 2024 1-6A All-Academic team.
“I feel really blessed to be able to play college baseball, and I feel confident that Frank Phillips College gives me the platform to take the next steps in my life,” Beltran said.
Anais Lomeli, a softball player, signed her letter of intent with the University of the Southwest, where she plans to study sports management. Her accolades include 2nd Team All-District. She is a Socorro Early College High School student.
“I want to thank God for guiding me in this journey,” Lomeli said. “I want to thank Coach Petroski and Coach Lewis for giving me the opportunity to continue my athletic and academic 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 where I am today.”
Daniel Lopez, a baseball shortstop and right-handed pitcher, signed his letter of intent with Odessa Junior College, where he plans to study entrepreneurship. Lopez was named 2024 Offensive Player of the year.
“I feel that I earned my scholarship based on my hard work and dedication,” Lopez said. “I really feel like I was able to be a leader for my team, and I was blessed that it paid off.”
Carlo Lucio, a soccer defender, signed his letter of intent with University of Houston – Victoria, where he plans to study business administration. Lucio was Second Team All-District in 2023-24 and he earned an All-District Honorable Mention in 2022-23. He is on the A/B Honor Roll.
“I feel very happy and grateful for receiving the opportunity to play college soccer,” Lucio said. “I want to thank Coach Alvarez for giving me the confidence to be one of his captains, and for having trust in me in the three years I’ve been playing high school soccer.”
Aurelie Lehila Inez Silva, a soccer goalie, signed her letter of intent with Bethel College, where she plans to study forensic science. Silva is a member of the 2023-24 varsity team.
“I would like to thank everyone for coming to this exciting time for me,” Silva said. “Having the opportunity to continue my education while being able to play the sport I love is beyond words.”
Cesar Villa, a soccer forward, signed his letter of intent with Northeast Texas Community College or the University of Arkansas – Cossatot Community College. He plans to study exercise physiology. Villa was a key player in the team’s bi-district championship in 2021-2022.
“I’m happy and excited for this opportunity,” Villa said.
Socorro High School signing event photos April 15, 2024
Socorro High School signing event photos April 17, 2024
Socorro High School signing event photos May 15, 2024
Socorro High School signing event photos May 17, 2024