Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Great athletes don’t become great without a lot of practice, coaching, and an inner drive to do their best. These qualities are found in Spring Oaks Middle School (SOMS) eighth-grader Jocelyn Soto. She has emerged as a top athlete on the school’s volleyball and track teams.

“To be a top athlete, it takes motivation, along with lots of training,” said Soto. “Having grit will help you grow, so I recommend younger kids find joy in a sport. Without enjoying it, there’s no point in all your effort.”

On the volleyball team, she has become one of the best servers, a critical skill needed for the team to dominate opponents. In track, Soto usually runs relays and participates in 400-meter races.

Competing with Friends

Soto especially enjoys competing with friends and the camaraderie of being on the SOMS teams.

“The thing I love most about being on a team is all the wonderful memories I make with my friends,” she said. “I value friends a lot, so the chance to be with them makes my heart feel warm.”

One of her favorite track team memories occurred last spring during the final meet of the year. “It was raining, but despite that, my friends were smiling, playing in the water,” recalled Soto. “That felt like the biggest win for me—happy boys and girls getting along.”

This talented athlete also participates in a recreational softball program outside of school. Since she was five years old, Soto has played with—and most recently pitched for—the Spring Spirit softball team. As stated on their website, Spring Spirit is a non-profit organization in the Spring Branch area dedicated to “empowering youth to realize their full potential through comprehensive education, sports, and ministry programs.”

A Supportive Family

Soto’s mother, Rossy Covarrubias, is grateful her daughter has healthy athletic activities to participate in after school. “She is able to have fun while doing something she loves, with friends,” said Covarrubias.

Coaches Inspire and Shape

Soto credits SOMS coaches Christina Archie and Kayla Hubbard with encouraging and pushing her to achieve her goals. They have coached Soto and her teammates in proper techniques for competing in their sports and designed workouts to keep them in shape. Beyond these physical exercises, Soto appreciates the ways her coaches inspire her to do her best.

“They often compliment me, which makes me feel even more motivated,” she said.

Coach Archie has high praise for this outstanding athlete. “Jocelyn is a dedicated and hardworking athlete who consistently displays kindness,” said Archie. “She is a soft-spoken yet determined athlete who fully understands what it takes to compete at the highest level. She's always willing to put in the effort necessary to reach her goals. I look forward to seeing all the things she accomplishes in the future!”

Beyond the Field

According to Soto, participating on athletic teams involves more than just excelling on the field.

“Being an athlete helps me academically because the same attitude I put into sports goes into academics,” she said. “The respect I give my coaches is the same respect I give to my teachers.”

Her mother also sees that Jocelyn’s participation in sports benefits every aspect of her life. “It teaches her necessary skills needed beyond the classroom, such as perseverance, discipline, and teamwork.”

Soto will attend Spring Woods High School next year and plans to try out for volleyball and softball. She looks forward to making new friends on these teams and growing even more as an athlete.

We are #SBISDProud of Jocelyn Soto and the drive, motivation, and grit she brings to her teams now and in the future.

#SBISDProud