Dallas ISD News: Lincoln High School and Humanities/Communications Magnet senior makes history with international soccer scholarship

Now, the Lincoln High School and Humanities/Communications Magnet senior is continuing that legacy as the first student in school history to earn a soccer scholarship, taking him all the way to England this fall.

He'll be studying sports business at the University of Central Lancashire. When he's not in class, he'll be playing soccer at the historic Moss Rose stadium for Macclesfield Football Club.

"I was actually committed to play soccer at another school here, so when they reached out I wasn't going to respond," Joe said. "Once I heard them out, my mind just knew that was a better decision and a bigger opportunity."

For his family, it's a dream come true; a destiny fulfilled.

"Back in Querétaro, Mexico, my mom was the captain of her soccer team, my dad was a goalie, and my uncle used to play semi-pro," he said. "Soccer has always been a big part of our family."

Even with soccer deeply rooted in his family, Joe's own journey with the sport didn't begin smoothly. He started in the sixth grade, but quit after only a couple months because he didn't like running. He returned to the sport in eighth grade at Harold W. Lang Sr. Middle School, starting on the B team.

Joe said the two-year break made him feel behind compared to his teammates. But through hard work and determination, he was playing on the varsity team when he enrolled at Lincoln as a freshman.

"I got thrown into the fire," he said. "Playing with older guys shaped the player I am today. Now I play fiercely with everything I've got."

That meant waking up at 5 a.m. daily to train year-round.

"Devotion and discipline outwork talent," Joe said.

Since then, Joe became the backbone of Lincoln's team, helping lead the Tigers from losing seasons to the state tournament for the first time in school history during his sophomore year. After that, he earned the nickname "Captain Joe."

Captain Joe is now believed to be the first student in Dallas ISD to earn an international soccer scholarship. The Class of 2026' salutatorian credits Lincoln for providing him the opportunity to graduate this May with both his high school diploma and an associate degree through the school's B-tech program.

Soon to be a first generation college student, Joe heads to England in August. He said he's excited to not only carry out his dream at the professional level, but also represent Mexico and his community abroad.

"I'm excited to discover everything there; the food, the culture, and especially the soccer games," he said. "over there, the culture is straight soccer so even the lower league stadiums are full".

From early morning practices in Dallas to stadium lights in England, Stanley Haines, Joe's coach, says his legacy at Lincoln will be nothing short of legendary.

"I don't think I can ever replace Joe," Haines said. "When you look at his dedication, integrity and commitment - those are what I call recipes of success. Joe is the first soccer player I've ever coached that had all those characteristics."

Spanish story:

Destacado futbolista de Lincoln High School se dirigirá a Inglaterra a estudiar y jugar semiprofesional