(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – June 25, 2026) — While the eyes of the sporting world are fixed on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, El Paso ISD is celebrating its own historic year on the pitch.
El Paso ISD is proud to celebrate one of its own who will be lacing his cleats for the U.S. Men’s National Team tonight as they take on Turkey in their final group match. Alex Zendejas, who represents the United States on the world stage and for Club América in Liga MX, graced the fields of Tippin Elementary and Hornedo Middle School before he was recruited to the Dallas FC youth academy at the age of 13.
Today, inspired by Zendejas’ success, a new generation of local stars are following in those footsteps, representing the depth of talent, resilience, and passion that makes the Borderland a definitive soccer city.
El Paso ISD boys' and girls’ soccer teams had stellar performances this season winning numerous Bi-District championships and the Burges HS boys team making a historic run to the final four in the Texas state championship. These accomplishments were reflected with numerous selections in the prestigious El Paso Times All-City soccer teams of the year.
El Paso Times All-City soccer coaches of the year:
Peter Fargo, El Paso High, girls coach of the year
Daniel Murillo, Burges, boys soccer co-coach of the year
El Paso Times All-City boys soccer team, El Paso ISD selections:
David Martinez, forward, Coronado HS, First Team (Named overall MVP of District 1-6A)
Gael Cruz, forward, Burges HS, First Team
Omar Herrera, defender, Burges HS, First Team
Cesar Alva, forward, Bowie HS, First Team
Zed Camargo, midfielder, Coronado, Second Team
Arthur Oliveira Lopes, midfielder, Coronado, Second Team
Sean Dickey, defender, Coronado, Second Team
Janer Casimero, defender, Coronado, Second Team
David Cadena, forward, Bowie HS, Honorable Mention
Giovanni Grado, defender, Bowie HS, Honorable Mention
Marcus Moncivais, defender, Andress, Honorable Mention (Named Defensive MVP in District 1-5A)
Nathan Benitez, goalkeeper, El Paso High, Honorable Mention (Named the top goalkeeper in District 1-5A)
El Paso Times All-City girls soccer team, El Paso ISD selections:
Kylie Alvarez, forward/midfielder El Paso High, First Team (District 1-5A MVP)
Scarlett Orwig, forward, Franklin, First Team (District 1-6A Offensive MVP)
Isabel Ramirez, forward, Franklin, First Team
Sofia Souici, goalkeeper, Franklin, First Team
Isabella Prieto, forward, El Paso High, First Team
Claire Hurtado, midfield, El Paso High, First Team
Angelica Arrieta, defender, Franklin, First Team (District 1-6A Defensive MVP)
Genesis Reyes, forward, Bowie, Honorable Mention
Maya Ramos, forward/midfielder, El Paso High, Honorable Mention
Ariel Chacon, defender, El Paso, Honorable Mention
Genesis Acosta, midfielder, Jefferson, Honorable Mention
“Coaching at these historic high schools is truly special. You feel the tradition and pride every single day, and it challenges you to live up to that legacy,” said soccer Coach Juan Talamantes. “Across EPISD, there’s a tremendous amount of talent. Kids here are driven, resilient, and full of potential. It’s exciting to be around that energy and to help develop these student-athletes both on and off the field.”
“My coaches and El Paso ISD have helped me in my soccer journey by improving me not just as a player, but also as a student” said Christian Quintana, Burges HS boys team captain, “everyone has taught me to make wise decisions and be the best version of myself.”
The next generation of talent was on full display at the inaugural El Paso ISD Copa de District; an event that brought together hundreds of students from across the city as elementary, middle, and high school teams competed in the pioneering soccer tournament. Tom Lea Elementary, Brown Middle School, Magoffin Middle School, Bowie High School, and Burges High School were crowned as inaugural champions.
“We’re one of the few districts that offer competitive sports starting in the 3rd grade, possibly the only district in the region” said David Cervantes, Executive Director of Athletics for El Paso ISD. “We’ve seen the impact that early start has for our athletes not just on the field, but their success in the classroom and other walks of life as well and we’re committed to continue raising champions at El Paso ISD.”
Photo Courtesy of: U.S. Soccer and El Paso Times for the photo of Kylie Alvarez