(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Nov. 9, 2026) — An El Paso ISD graduate is celebrating another WNBA championship, while another has earned a national scholarship for her achievements in flag football. Together, their accomplishments highlight the opportunities and impact of athletics across the district.

Irvin High School graduate Kayla Thornton recently helped the Golden State Valkyries capture the WNBA championship, defeating the Atlanta Dream in Game 7 of the Finals on Saturday, Oct. 31. The title is her second WNBA championship, following her 2024 victory with the New York Liberty. She also won a professional championship in South Korea in 2019.

Thornton's journey began at Irvin, where she established herself as one of El Paso's standout basketball players before continuing her career at The University of Texas at El Paso. She finished with 1,679 points and 1,032 rebounds, becoming the first player in UTEP history to reach 1,000 in both categories.

Despite her professional success, Thornton has maintained a connection to her hometown. In April, she returned to Irvin to launch the Kayla Thornton Kairos Foundation, which provides mentorship and resources to students in the school's feeder pattern.

“I’ve always wanted to give back to my community and this was one of my Kairos moments, to come back to El Paso and give back my knowledge and to help kids who are facing mental health struggles,” Thornton said during her April 10 visit. “It’s a dream come true to do what I’m doing. I think I’m living out my dream and my purpose.”

Her accomplishments continue to inspire the Irvin community, said Principal Robert Stives.

“Kayla’s accomplishments are something our entire Irvin community can celebrate. Our students have the opportunity to see someone who once walked these same halls achieve success at the highest level of professional basketball,” Stives said. “Her journey is a reminder that with hard work, discipline and perseverance, students can pursue their goals and make an impact far beyond our campus.”

Another El Paso ISD graduate making her mark is Bellissa Márquez, who attended Young Women’s STEAM Research & Preparatory Academy. On Nov. 1, Márquez received the She Is Football Scholarship from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation. The national award recognizes female high school football athletes for academic excellence, leadership and passion for the sport.

“Bellissa’s achievement is a tremendous source of pride for our YWA community. She represents the dedication, leadership and determination we hope to inspire in all our students,” Arias said. “Her recognition through the She Is Football Scholarship shows that students can pursue their passions, excel academically and create opportunities for themselves beyond graduation.”

For El Paso ISD Senior Director of Athletics David Cervantes, accomplishments like these reflect the value of athletics beyond competition.

“Athletics provide students with opportunities to grow in ways that extend beyond the playing field,” Cervantes said. “Through sports, students learn discipline, teamwork, leadership and perseverance. These are qualities that can serve them throughout their lives. Seeing graduates like Kayla Thornton reach the professional level and students like Bellissa Márquez earn national recognition is something our district can take great pride in.”

From high school competition to professional championships and national recognition, Thornton and Márquez demonstrate how athletics can help students build skills, pursue opportunities and make an impact well beyond graduation.