Calling All
Student-Athletes:
Your Journey Starts Here!

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.

Uriel, a first-generation Mexican-American student with a 4.7 GPA, exemplifies resilience and dedication. As salutatorian of his class, he will graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate's degree. Beyond academics, Uriel devoted his summers to teaching migrant children to read and write, helping one student advance 6 grade levels in reading in a single summer. On the soccer field, coaches describe him as "humble" and someone who "will not be outworked." His commitment to lifting others while excelling academically and athletically truly embodies Gio's spirit.

Gray maintains a stellar 4.63 GPA while serving as Student Government President and captain of the Maclay girls' soccer team. She founded "Center Forward," an organization that donates sports equipment to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Gray led her team with 15 goals this season, and coaches praise her consistency and willingness to adapt to different positions on the field. Her essay on learning to focus on the future rather than dwell on the past demonstrated remarkable maturity and perspective.

As team captain and defensive anchor for Chiles, Kyndal has earned recognition as a First Team All-Big Bend Player and FACA All-State Team member. Maintaining a 4.1 GPA while managing test anxiety, Kyndal has signed to play Division II soccer at Valdosta State University. Her coaches describe her as "dynamic" with game-changing abilities, noting her exceptional leadership skills and detailed approach to her college search process. Kyndal's essay on servant leadership highlighted how she applies lessons from soccer to her work with Special Olympics.

Martina Silva, with a 4.65 GPA and leadership roles in prestigious societies like NHS, showcases a unique blend of academic brilliance and athletic talent. Born in Chile and a dynamo in Florida High's soccer scene, Martina's journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Her work volunteering at the Tom Brown Animal Shelter underscores her commitment to community service.

A Maclay School standout with a 4.52 GPA bound for Auburn, her academic and athletic prowess is just the beginning. Lawre shines across multiple disciplines, participating in National Art Society, Key Club, and more, while also excelling in lacrosse, tennis, and cheerleading. Her dedication has earned her multiple student of the year awards and a place on the Tallahassee Community College Dean's List.

Meghan Roper, heading to Auburn with a 3.6 GPA, exemplifies leadership as the President of the Dance Marathon and Anchor Club, significantly boosting fundraising efforts. Her role as Leon High School's soccer team captain and participation in Rho Kappa and the Interact Club highlight her multifaceted involvement and dedication to service.

Jose co-founded the Physics Club and participated in the Science Olympiad, the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and more. He led the Chiles Boys' Soccer Team to the 2022 Gio Cup Championship and the 2022–23 District Championship. Jose is attending Penn.

Betrice is a talented soccer player who scored 41 goals in 14 games this season, ranking as one of only two girls in Leon County with 40+ goals. She is also an ABC 27 Scholar-Athlete of the Week award recipient and is attending West Florida College.

RJ was the Editor-in-Chief of The Andalusian School Newspaper and a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and All-Florida Scholastic Press Association. He scored 44 goals in his varsity soccer career at Maclay and was named ABC 27 Scholar-Athlete of the Week. RJ is attending Florida.

Alejandro is the second family member to graduate high school and the first to attend college. He was the Secretary of the Gadsden Future Farmers of America. Alejandro, a Second-Team All-Big Bend midfielder, held a 3.6 GPA and plans to attend Florida State University to study Criminology.

Maddie is the 2022 All-Big Bend Girls Soccer Player of the Year. Maddie overcame physical challenges to persevere to become an elite soccer player in our area. She achieved a 3.9 GPA and now plays at Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C.

A 2022 Big Bend All-Star on Leon High School's soccer team and former teammate of Giovanni Vitrano, Ethan held a 3.9 GPA. Ethan now plays soccer at Southwestern Assemblies of God University while studying Children's Ministry.