Pro soccer player reflects on her time at Eldorado

Jessie Hix is excited to take the next step, playing for the pro soccer club Medkila IL in Norway. However, her time at Eldorado High School helped her get there. “My time at Eldorado was filled with many highs and lows,” she said. “All of my coaches played a role in my development and countless others. It is amazing how many lives teachers and coaches have the opportunity to impact.

“All of the experiences at Eldorado led me to where I am at today. It is a gift to be able to step on the soccer field and compete at this level in the beautiful country of Norway,” Nix said.

However, a couple of coaches in particular stands out to the soccer player. “It was a gift to play for coach Paul Maestas in high school and college,” she said. “I have always been thankful for his encouragement and grace. Mrs. Brion helped me develop on the track. She pushed me to become a better athlete.

“Track was a blast in high school. I was blessed to run with and compete against talented athletes in New Mexico,” she added.

Hix may not have run at all without the encouragement of yet another coach. “Coach Chokri is one of my heroes. He encouraged me to run cross-country. Chokri creates a culture where people feel as though they belong,” she said. “He has compassion and love that he shares with his athletes. The team felt like a family. I’m forever grateful for the lifelong friends and many miles ran in the foothills.”

Despite her success, it wasn’t just coaches who helped Hix find her way through high school. “Anna Mafchir was one of my favorite teachers. She was truly a godsend,” Hix said. “She opened my eyes to the world of art through photography. Photography helped me cope with my depression and anxiety. She taught me how to look at the world in a different way, to find beauty in the simplest forms. My love for the landscape and culture of New Mexico grew immensely through her. I’m forever grateful for her guidance, compassion and introspective nature.

“Sports and photography were an outlet for me when things were challenging in my personal life,” Hix added. “I remember feeling a freedom in competing both on the field and the track. There was also an immense amount of peace found when I had a camera in hand in the mountains. 

“I struggled a lot mentally, so it was a gift to have an outlet and positive role models in my teachers, coaches and teammates.

“I’m proud to be an Eldorado alumna and to represent New Mexico overseas.”