TSC signs PACE Vikings to soccer rosters

Texas Southmost College signed two more athletes to the men’s and women’s soccer teams, respectively. 

Emilio Cahuiche and Jacquelynn Palomino were the morning stars as the Vikings put pen to paper to commit to the Scorpions, TSC’s new NJCAA soccer programs. 

“It’s a really big moment,” Cahuiche said after the signing ceremony. “As kids, every athlete aspires to go to the next level, but it is baffling once you get there.” 

Cahuiche competed as a multi-sport athlete for the James Pace Early College High School Vikings playing safety in football, running track while also starring on the soccer pitch. He said there is just something about soccer that put the sport at the top of his list.  

“As a kid, it’s something that you attach yourself to,” he said. “It’s something that completely changed my life. Soccer took me out of some really tough spots.” 

Both athletes earned spots on the varsity teams as freshmen, a tough feat to accomplish in the soccer-crazy city of Brownsville. Like Cahuiche, Palomino also overcame some tough spots along her high school journey. Not only did COVID interrupt postseason play she also tore ACL ligaments in both of her legs while in High School. 

“I didn’t think I was going to overcome it and I was so close to giving up,” Palomino said about bouncing back from two injuries with long recovery times. “But I always thought, ‘if you want something you have to work for it.’ I wanted it, so I worked for it.” 

Palomino shared that she was nervous while on stage during this morning’s signing ceremony, but she was excited to celebrate her big moment with her parents and teammates with plenty of smiles and photos.  

“I am very excited and happy that I am finally doing something I have always dreamed and worked for,” Palomino said. “I can’t wait to see what’s next for me in college.” 

 
New beginnings  

Both athletes will be showcased in the Fall as Texas Southmost College embarks on a new journey as part of the NJCAA athletic association.  

Cahuiche mentioned how rich the Rio Grande Valley soccer scene is with talent. He expressed excitement about the prospect of a team full of RGV players representing the region.  

“Starting a new project is always very exciting. Here in the Valley, it is very competitive,” he said. “I may be a Pace athlete, but I know a lot of very talented athletes around this area. It would be an all-state team if the whole Valley got together [to compete. I would be amazing].” 

Palomino will have familiar faces to ease the adjustment process on the field, in the classroom and in the stands.  

“I am super happy to be a part of the first women’s soccer team for TSC,” she said. “I know that some of my teammates will be going on with me, so it is very exciting to share that with them.” 

She explained that the comfort of being able to play close to home was a huge factor in continuing her soccer journey beyond high school. 

“Being at home is the best thing that can happen to anybody,” she said. “I wouldn’t want to do it anywhere else. There’s nothing like home.”