SOCCER AWARDS

Rams, Queens soccer players help break KWMC voting records

The accomplishments of this year’s Del Rio High School soccer teams did not go unnoticed by the community.
When KWMC 1490 put out the word they were encouraging folks to vote for the station’s inaugural Del Rio High School Soccer Awards, the hope was for a turnout similar to the previous awards for football and basketball.
Instead, the poll, which honored players from both the Rams and Queens soccer teams, broke the record for votes cast as more than 2,600 votes were cast for the top offensive, top defensive and the rising star for each team.
The awards were presented by a bevy of local Del Rio High School sports supporters including representatives of the Del Rio Rams Soccer Booster Club, Lopez Roofing, Ashley Home Store, Cecil Atkission Ford, Offroad Recovery and Buffalo Wings and Rings.
Queens Soccer
On the Queens’ side, senior Ema Rojas was named the Offensive Player of the Year. Rojas was a scoring machine for the Queens, racking up 13 goals in 12 district matches. She was one of three Queens to have at least four goals during the district season and a key reason for Del Rio advancing to the playoffs after missing out last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senior Jocelyn Martinez was named the Defensive Player of the year. Martinez has been the rock in the Queens defense since she joined the program. She was a first team all-district selection the last two years and her work in the classroom was also recognized as she was an academic all-district and academic all-state honoree.
Freshman Andrea Sauceda was presented with the Queens Rising Star award. Sauceda did not get to play any sub-varsity games due to COVID-19 guidelines, so she was thrust into the varsity scene almost immediately. She did well enough to score a goal and earn an all-district honorable mention selection.
Rams Soccer
The Rams Offensive Player of the year was senior Angel Aldrete. Aldrete was the key to the Rams machine, leading the team in goals (8) and assists (9). His work wasn’t unrecognized by the district’s coaches as he was named the 30-6A Offensive Player of the Year.
Senior Noe Trujillo was voted the Rams Defensive Player of the Year. Trujillo could easily have been the offensive player of the year, scoring six goals, but his work as a defender was invaluable, often tasked with shadowing the best player on the opposing team. Like Aldrete, Trujillo also earned all-district honors as he was named the district’s Defensive Player of the year.
Junior Roberto Garza was voted the Rams Rising Star. Though Garza didn’t the publicity his teammates did, he was a steady defender who was another big part of the Rams sharing the district championship. He was also a first team, all-district selection this season.
San Felipe Del Rio CISD Athletic Director Ric Smith was also recognized at the awards ceremony as he was presented with the KWMC Alfredo Garza Lifetime Achievement Award.