At HTX Soccer, we celebrate every step forward our players take on and off the field, these incredible stories truly stand out. Joel, a dedicated player who is a current member of the Cypress campus that was started less than a year ago is the first player to head off to college from that community after being added to the Boys Academy Program.

Joel’s path to college soccer was not without its obstacles. As he approached the end of his youth career, he faced doubts and even considered stepping away from the game. Joel’s achievement isn’t only a personal milestone, it’s a symbol of what happens when an organization like HTX Soccer who has a proven track record of supporting players through the college recruiting process is involved.  It was about extending the care, principles, and high standards for the Cypress campus and building an environment where players could continue to grow and chase bigger dreams.

“It's great to see Joel move forward and be the first player to advance onto college from our newly formed Cypress campus," said Diego Copa, Tomball | Cypress Director. "Joel’s success is a reflection of his dedication and the hard work he has put in over the years."

To the Cypress community: Joel’s story is yours, too. His growth didn’t stop when he joined HTX, it evolved. The club will continue to support, add further resources into the Cypress community and make sure there are more stories of players fulfilling their dreams to have the opportunity to play college soccer.

Joel’s college signing is a moment to be proud of, not just for him, but for every coach, teammate, and family member who walked beside him. His story is about second chances, strong mentors, and the belief that dreams are worth fighting for.

"I am so grateful for HTX Soccer, who have provided me the opportunities to showcase my skills," said Joel Herrera." I want to thank my parents for all their support they have provided throughout the years and for believing in me. I want to thank all my coaches that have pushed and shaped me into the player I am today. Without them, I would not have been able to achieve this."

“At HTX, we’re honored to be a small part of Joel’s journey, and we look forward to seeing many more players from the Cypress community take the next step in their soccer and academic careers,” said Alex Cardenas, Boys Academy Director.