Kicking Off
A Full Season

Matias immigrated from Venezuela at age 9 without knowing a word of English, and found his voice — and his footing — through soccer. He went on to become a team captain, two-time Offensive Player of the Year, and a Big Bend First Team selection, while earning membership in four national honor societies. His impact extends well beyond the field: he founded the Venezuelan Sports Equipment Initiative, shipping over 25 boxes of gear to children in need and personally delivering them on a trip back to Venezuela. His coach calls him the best player he's coached in 19 years.

Citlali is a varsity soccer player, Beta Club member, and dual-enrolled student who overcame significant gaps in her early education to qualify for college-level coursework. Known by her coaches as a quiet leader who speaks through her actions on the field, she earned JV MVP before earning her spot on the varsity squad. Off the field, she volunteers as a youth soccer coach at Bold and Gold Sports International, where she's helped young girls grow as players and as people. Citlali has faced real adversity on her path to graduation and met every challenge with resilience and grace.

Sam is a 4.0 student ranked 6th in his class of 352, a 2025 Sunshine State Scholar, and one of the most versatile athletes in the Big Bend. He earned All-Big Bend honors in both soccer and baseball, and stepped up mid-season to serve as his football team's kicker when the team needed him — without complaint. His coach has known him since he was five years old and describes him as self-motivated, fiercely loyal, and the kind of player who makes the big play when it matters most. Sam has worked as a server at a local restaurant for five years.