Juan Diego sees 6 soccer stars sign with schools

DRAPER — Juan Diego senior Angel Enriquez has come a long way since moving to the United States more than four years ago.

When Enriquez arrived in Utah from the tiny town of Bari Loche, located in southern Argentina, he didn't speak a word of English.

However, thanks to the support he received from friends, family and the staff at Juan Diego Catholic High, he's thrived.

Enriquez now speaks excellent English, is a solid student and has starred on the soccer field.

His steady progression reached a peak of sorts last Monday when he — along with five other Soaring Eagle teammates — signed binding letters of intent to play collegiate soccer.

"I came here 4 1/2 years ago and didn't know a word of (English)," he said. "And because of support from my friends, I wasn't ostracized. They took me in and made me their friend and helped me out.

"And I pretty much have become who I am," he added, "because of all the help from my family, coaches, friends and teachers."

Enriquez, a hugely talented soccer player, inked with St. Lawrence University, a Division III school in upstate New York. He chose the school over Holy Cross after receiving a full-ride scholarship offer last weekend.

According to Enriquez, it's an extremely difficult scholarship to get.

"(The coach) got back to me on Saturday and told me that I got the full-ride scholarship, and I couldn't believe it," said Enriquez. "And I said right there and then, 'Yes, I'm gonna take it. I'm gonna go there.'"

Overall, Monday was a banner day for Juan Diego's soccer program. In addition to Enriquez, Kyle Beck signed with Cal State Stanislaus, Ryan Beck with St. Michael's College, Dallas Holbeck and Damian Malouf with Westminster and Chris Sullivan with Mount Marty College.

What did Enriquez think of being able to sign at the same time as five of his teammates?

"Right now it's kind of overwhelming to understand what we have just done," he said. "But if I think about it, it's pretty amazing and I'm so proud to be a part of it. It's unbelievable."

Added teammate Kyle Beck: "We're all pretty together, so I feel really privileged to sign with all of them."

Of course, the fact that six Soaring Eagle players are college bound will only turn up the pressure on Juan Diego even more. Already, the focus has been on the Draper private school, which boasts an outstanding senior class.