Seven Sidewinders Slither to college athletics

Five soccer, one softball and one basketball player are continue their athletic journeys

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) - Seven student-athletes from San Luis High School signed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level during the school’s signing day ceremony.

Five of the signees will continue playing soccer, while one athlete signed for softball and another took a unique path by signing a professional basketball contract.

That was Martin Tapia, who signed with Los Colorados de San Luis in the Circuito de Baloncesto de la Costa del Pacifico.

“I’m very excited for my new chapter in Mexico,” Tapia said. “It’s not a college, but it’s a club. It’s a professional team, so I’m very excited for the new chapter in my life.”

Tapia said the opportunity to play professionally was one he could not pass up.

“They called me and I accepted,” Tapia said. “I think it’s better for me because I’m probably now paid, so I think it’s the best for me.”

Softball player Jocelyn Cruz signed with Mesa Community College and was the lone female athlete honored during the ceremony.

“I feel really special, especially since I’m the only girl and also the only girl in softball that got a signing today,” Cruz said. “I feel accomplished, and I feel proud of myself for pushing and working hard for this opportunity.”

On the soccer side, Alan Viveros, Yeshua Romo and Jaziel Gonzalez will continue playing together at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

The trio developed strong chemistry while playing together at San Luis and hopes to bring that same winning culture to the collegiate level.

“In a team, it’s very important — the chemistry,” Romo said. “So I know having them in the backline with me will be a great thing for us to grow up together, but also the program to grow also.”

Viveros said the opportunity to continue playing with close friends made the decision even more meaningful.

“I’m very excited,” Viveros said. “The new program they’re building right now, it’s amazing, and plus I get to be with my friends around the college playing the sport we love and also studying.”

Gonzalez added that the group hopes to help establish a stronger culture within the program.

“We want to bring that mentality of winning there,” Gonzalez said. “They’re a little new, but we want to bring that winning mentality to them.”

Teammates Diego Torres and Rodrigo Ortega also signed to continue their soccer careers.

Torres is headed to Yavapai College, while Ortega — San Luis’ single-season goal-scoring record holder — signed with Mohave Community College.

“Day-to-day, try to be better,” Ortega said. “I know Mohave is a great team and a great college, too. They don’t take it just as a soccer team. It’s more like a family.”

The seven athletes now prepare to take the next step in their athletic careers while carrying the Sidewinders’ culture with them to the collegiate and professional levels.