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MARTINEZ MIXES PRIDE, SOCCER SKILL PLAYING FOR MEXICO
Midfielder is training to secure a roster spot for the U-17 World Cup
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By Todd Jorgenson
People Newspapers
For Jade Martinez, playing soccer on an international stage is about more than individual achievement.
The past three years spent in the Mexican national program have given the former Parish Episcopal student an enhanced perspective on and off the field.
“Representing Mexico is something that I value a lot,” Martinez said. “Putting on the jersey has motivated me to practice my Spanish and learn more about their culture, and also to get closer to my dad’s side of the family.”
Martinez, a center midfielder, is training to make the final roster for the Mexican team in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which starts on Oct. 11 in India.
The Dallas native was playing for her father, Juan, on the Dallas Kicks youth club team when a Mexico scout encouraged Jade to pursue dual citizenship so she could try out for the national program.
After completing that process, Jade made her debut in a Mexico jersey in 2019, playing at the under-15 level at the Dallas International Girls Cup.
An injury cut short that appearance, but the national program has called her into training several times since. However, the
Jade Martinez has been training in Mexico for a spot in the U-17 Women’s World Cup in
India. (COURTESY PHOTO)
extensive workout schedule and the travel back and forth to Mexico City caused an academic strain.
Martinez left Parish as a sophomore in late 2021 to enroll in a homeschool program, although she hasn’t ruled out rejoining her classmates before she graduates.
“I was missing a lot, and it was going to be too much for me to catch up,” she said about the decision. “At first, it was kind of difficult because it was so different. Now I have my computer with me 24/7 to do my schoolwork.”
Since joining the Mexican program, the highlight for Martinez was a tour of exhibition games in Spain, Italy, and the Czech Republic.
“It was a blessing. I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” said Martinez, who has verbally committed to play college soccer at Baylor. “I never believed I would be able to travel to places like that. I’ve made so many friendships.”
More recently, she played in a World Cup pre-qualifying tournament in the Dominican Republic that included matchups against the United States, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and others.
If chosen for the World Cup roster, Martinez would travel with her teammates to Europe in early October for some friendly games before heading to India.
“Going to the World Cup would be a big accomplishment,” she said. “It will prepare me for what’s to come next in college or even after college. It also means a lot to me outside of soccer.”
Versatile WR Musso Plays Vital Role on Field and Sidelines Jesuit senior gained confidence after playoff performance last year
By Todd Jorgenson
People Newspapers
On a Jesuit Dallas roster that lost most of its top skill players to graduation, the name Jake Musso stands out.
We have him all over the field. Brandon Hickman
Musso has taken a more prominent role as arguably the most experienced and more productive returning offensive player for the Rangers.
Catching passes and scoring touchdowns is his comfort zone. But the leadership responsibilities that come along with the added attention? Not so much.
“I’m more on the quiet side, PCP_Oct2022_Banner-Final-revised3.pdf 1 9/2/2022 1:48:02 PMbut being a captain has helped me speak up,” Musso said. “I try to give them a speech or two before the games. I’ve never done that before. Hyping them up before games is something I enjoy now.” Musso’s versatility proved valuable for Jesuit last season. He caught two touchdown passes and had four rushing scores. He even threw a touchdown pass and was Jesuit’s leading kickoff returner. A year ago, Musso averaged 11 yards on his 40 receptions. But he’s become more of a deep threat early this season, with 16 catches for 237 yards during nondistrict play. “He can do a lot of different things for us. We have him all over the field,” said Jesuit head coach Brandon Hickman. “He’s a tough player who has good hands and runs good routes.” Musso showcased his quickness and big-play ability against Arlington last season in the bi-district round of the Class 6A Division II playoffs. He ran for touchdowns of 66 and 58 yards and later caught a 50-yard scoring pass, tallying 234 all-purpose yards during a 69-36 win.
“It gave me a lot of confidence going into this year, knowing that I could play at that high of a level,” said Musso, who has even lined up in the defensive secondary this year.
“Jake was a big part of our team and really turned it on in the playoffs. He ended the season really well and picked up where he left off,” Hickman said. “He’s not looking at stats. He’s just looking to win the game.”
Musso’s rapport with new Jesuit starting quarterback Charlie Schmidt dates to when they were teammates as freshmen. Musso played quarterback in middle school before transitioning to receiver for the Rangers.
“I’m glad I switched,” Musso said. “Getting together in the offseasons and summers throwing a lot with just us two developed chemistry. He trusts me, and I trust him.”
Jesuit senior Jake Musso is a top receiving threat who also contributes on
defense and special teams. (PHOTO: ROB GRAHAM)
