“It takes a village to raise a child” is a trite and often overused saying. But in the case of Abraham Flores, it certainly rings true.
Last Wednesday at the Dos Palos High School Career Center, Flores, a senior, signed a letter of intent to accept a scholarship to continue his soccer career at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.
Witnessing the ceremony at the packed center was the young man’s support group: mother Norma, coaches Grace Hinojosa and Tony Campo, teachers, Norma’s employers, teammates, fellow students, friends, and even members of his church.
Flores, who lost his father two years ago, called the signing “a big step” and wanted to thank everyone for their constant support.
“I want to thank everyone for allowing me to grow as a player and not quit,” he said. “My family has always been there with non-stop support.”
Hinojosa, who has guided the Bronco soccer program for eight years, called Flores “a light and positive spirit” on the soccer pitch.
“Abraham brought joy to the field,” she told the gathering. “He works hard and has a passion for the sport.”
Moving on to the next level, Coach Campo added that “he will make everyone here proud.”
Irene Lelandais, the DHPS athletic director, said that Wartburg is getting a great young man.
“We know that Wartburg is not only getting a standout goalkeeper, but a young man of extraordinary character, heart, and determination,” said Lelandais. “We are incredibly proud of Abraham and excited to watch him continue to grow both as a player and an individual. This next chapter is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish.”
Coach Hinojosa, Flores, and his Bronco teammates just wrapped up a very successful season with an 18-6-2 record and a first-place finish at the Powerade Showcase.
After spending his freshman year on the junior varsity, Hinojosa and Campo knew they had a talented young goalie in the making. He had 75 saves his freshman year, and the following year was moved up to varsity.
As a junior, he had 199 saves, which put him at No. 2 in the Central Section. He continued his stellar play as a senior and was instrumental in the Powerade Showcase championship.
“One trait that speaks to his potential in college is his joy and passion for the sport,” Hinojosa added. “Abraham loves what he does. He pours his heart into it, pushing himself to be the best he can be. I believe that as long as he maintains the same joy and passion for the sport, he will undoubtedly succeed.”
Flores’ faith in God will also carry him through college, his coach added.
“He is an energetic kid with a great smile. There is one thing he takes very seriously—aside from goalkeeping—is his relationship with God,” said Hinojosa. “He became the spiritual leader of the team this year. He wanted to do this since his junior year, but the loss of his father, I believe, allowed him to find the courage to share his faith this year. He starts each game with a prayer. It is nice to see a young man stay true to his convictions as he has.”
Wartburg College, a private liberal arts college, is an NCAA Div. III school that competes in the nine-team American Rivers Conference.
Mike Madigan just wrapped up his eighth year as the Knights’ head coach. Like Flores, he was a goalkeeper in his playing days.
Flores intends to major in sociology and criminology.
