A Border Town’s Heart Beats for Soccer: San Luis Backs Its Star Football Team

In the small border town of San Luis, soccer has become the heart and soul of the community. Here, soccer goals replace traditional football uprights, reflecting a cultural shift that has transformed Friday nights into a soccer spectacle.

San Luis High School, just three hours south of Phoenix, has emerged as a formidable presence in Arizona soccer. The Sidewinders, despite facing a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Washington in the AIA open division tournament quarterfinals, continue to enjoy unwavering support from local fans. The community’s passion for the team remains palpable, though the hunt for their first trophy continues.

With a population exceeding 40,000, San Luis straddles the border, serving as a hub for daily crossings from San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico. The vibrant energy of Main Street captures the dynamic relationship between the two countries.

Leading the team is Jesus Rojas, the boys’ soccer coach who intimately understands life in a border town. His journey from player to coach is marked by dedication and a deep connection to the community. After graduating from Arizona State, Rojas assumed coaching duties eight years ago under the encouragement of former coach Tim Conroy. His tenure has been nothing short of remarkable, with a 93-22-4 record and numerous deep playoff runs.

“When Rojas took over, I know he didn’t feel like he was ready, but we all believed in him,” said former coach Ian McDougall, highlighting Rojas’s growth as a leader in the sport. Under Rojas, the Sidewinders have established a winning tradition, pushing the limits of their potential.

Since launching its soccer program in 2003, San Luis High has struggled to capture the coveted state championship. In the past two seasons, the Sidewinders faced off against Perry, falling short in both encounters despite showcasing their quick-paced playstyle.

“Watching the intensity and skill of the players made me want to join the team,” shared senior captain Luis Garcia, reflecting on the inspiration he found in the games. The players’ commitment to practice, often outside of school hours, highlights their determination to excel despite challenges such as perceived size disadvantages.

Rojas recalls a visit to Arizona Western College where players under 6 feet were overlooked. This margin of exclusion only fueled the Sidewinders’ resolve, as they trained harder to compete against taller teams. “It reflects the mentality of San Luis,” Rojas added, emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity.

The absence of American football has allowed soccer to flourish within the community. Following the discontinuation of football in 2014, neighborhoods have transformed into vibrant soccer spaces. Opportunities for the sport abound, evident in the enthusiasm of children expressing their aspirations to play for the Sidewinders.

San Luis High is a dynamic blend of cultures, with a significant majority of its population identifying as Hispanic. Interestingly, the program’s first coaches were not from this demographic, yet their integration into the community illustrated a shared love for soccer that transcended backgrounds.

Former coaches McDougall and Conroy remain fixtures at games, often greeted by passionate fans eager to discuss the team’s progress. Their legacies continue to resonate in a community that thrives on the sport.

This season began with ambition, following an 11-game winning streak after a tough loss to Desert Vista. Ranked highly in both state and national standings, hopes for a deep postseason run were firmly on the horizon.

Unfortunately, the quarterfinal exit against Washington dampened the season’s successes. As the Sidewinders regroup, the pursuit for the elusive state title remains a shared dream among the coach, players, and fans alike. “We hope to finally lift that trophy one day,” Conroy stated, echoing the sentiments of all who have dedicated themselves to the team. The journey continues, draped in the pride of an entire town.