'Tis the season to celebrate the accomplishments of top student-athletes in the Socorro Independent School District. In December, nine student-athletes from Eastlake and Montwood high schools signed letters of intent to pursue their athletic careers and academic studies at their chosen colleges and universities.
The signees were honored for their athletic achievements and academic excellence, including being district champions, all-district team members, and maintaining 4.0 GPAs.
Good luck to these remarkable student-athletes as they pursue their academic and athletic goals in 2025.
Eastlake High School
On Dec. 4, three players from Eastlake High School’s 2024 1-6A District and Bi-District volleyball championship team signed with colleges and universities to pursue their dreams of higher education and competing at the next level.
Cecy Bustamante, a libero, signed her letter of intent with Lamar University, where she plans to study communications. Bustamante has a 4.0 GPA. Her accomplishments include Division 1 Regional semi-finalist, 1-6A All-District First Team, and El Paso Times All-City Honorable Mention.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dream to play Division 1 volleyball,” Bustamante said. "It feels great to know that all my hard work has paid off and it is such a blessing.”
Jaelynn Kohli, an outside hitter, signed her letter of intent with New Mexico State University, where she plans to study business. Kohli has a 4.0 GPA. She was named 1-6A District Outstanding Hitter. Kohli’s accolades include Division 1 Regional semi-finalist, El Paso Times First Team All-City, TGCA All-State Team and Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Third Team.
“To make it to my signing day means so much to me because it truly shows that hard work does pay off and that I accomplished my goal of getting the opportunity to play Division 1 volleyball,” Kohli said. “I’m so excited to see where this next chapter takes me and all of the things I am going to accomplish at the next level.”
Kaitlyn Salgado, an outside hitter, signed her letter of intent with Western New Mexico University, where she plans to major in zoology. Salgado has a 3.8 GPA. She was named Division 1 Regional semi-finalist and 1-6A District co-MVP. Her honors include 1-6A All-District First Team, El Paso Times All-City First Team and Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Third Team.
“It means the world to me to be able to sign and make my family proud after all the hard work they have put in for me (and) always giving me endless opportunities,” Salgado said. “I can’t wait to attend Western New Mexico University.”
Eastlake High School signing event photos
Montwood High School
On Dec. 11, six Montwood High School Rams committed to continuing their education while playing for collegiate teams. Among these outstanding student-athletes, Brook Gill, Trinity Muñoz, Isalei Salazar and Mia Telles, are members of the 2023 and 2024 1-6A District softball championship teams.
Brook Gill, a softball player, signed her letter of intent with Frank Phillips College, where she plans to major in criminal justice. Gill was named to the 2024 All-District First Team and 2023 All-District Second Team.
"I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to grow as a player and a person while continuing to play the sport I've loved since I was a little girl,” Gill said. “The hard work I've put in over the years is starting to pay off. I'm so excited to see what God has in store for me in the classroom and on the field. I can't wait to start the next chapter in my life. I couldn't have done it without the endless support from my parents, family, coaches, and teammates."
Jaykob Gomez, a baseball player, signed his letter of intent with Arkansas Tech University. Gomez is a three-year letterman. He was named 2024 All-District First Team Pitcher and 2023 All-District Second Team Pitcher.
"I am excited to be able to represent Montwood at the next level,” Gomez said. “The values and lessons taught here have shaped us into the people we will become in the future."
Trinity Muñoz, a softball player, signed her letter of intent with the University of California at Riverside, where she plans to study sonography. Muñoz was named to the 2024 All-District First Team and 2024 All-City First Team.
“I am blessed to be given the opportunity to play at the Division 1 level,” Muñoz said. “I’ve dreamed of this since I was a little girl, and I’m beyond grateful that my hard work has paid off. I couldn’t have done it without my family, coaches, teammates but, most of all, my dad! Go Highlanders!”
Simone Pompa, a volleyball player, signed her letter of intent with Vernon College, where she plans to study nursing. Pompa is a three-year letterman. Her accolades include All-District First Team and All-District Academic Team.
"I am excited for the new chapter in my life to bond with my teammates and grow close and experience a different lifestyle when I move,” Pompa said.
Isalei Salazar, a softball player, signed her letter of intent with Western New Mexico University, where she plans to major in kinesiology. Salazar was named to the 2023 All-District First Team and 2024 All-District Second Team and 2022, 2023 and 2024 All-District Academic Team.
"I am very excited to experience the game at the next level and beyond blessed to be able to use all of the skills that I have learned over the years to help me achieve my overall goal of being the best that I can be in the classroom and on the field,” Salazar said.
Mia Telles, a softball player, will sign her letter of intent with Frank Phillips College, where she plans to study criminal justice. Her accolades include 2023 and 2024 All-District First Teams, 2023 Montwood High School Defensive Player, 2024 Montwood High School Offensive Player and 2024 Montwood High School Golden Glove.
“Playing at the next level is a dream come true,” Telles said. “It’s a mix of excitement and nerves, but it’s a chance to prove myself, grow as an athlete, and embrace the challenges ahead.”