BVBIA El Paso - News by Benji GrajedaBVBIA El Paso - News by Benji Grajedahttps://www.bvbia-elpaso.com/blogs/author/benji-grajedaSat, 08 Aug 2026 06:07:20 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[July Birthdays]]>https://www.bvbia-elpaso.com/blogs/post/july-birthdays

Happy Birthday to all of our BVB International Academy El Paso players celebrating birthdays this July! We hope you have an amazing day surrounded by family and friends and enjoy celebrating another year. Wishing you a great month, and we can't wait to see you continue to grow on and off the field throughout the season.

Players:
  • Alejandro Elias - July 8th
  • Nicholas James - July 8th
  • Leo Corbett - July 9th
  • Mila Sanchez - July 10th
  • Sebastian Garcia - July 10th
  • Lucas Estrada - July 11th
  • Nora Estes - July 11th
  • Fernando Garza - July 19th
  • Caleb Hall - July 19th
  • Zaran Jordan - July 21st
  • Zion Jordan - July 21st
  • Anadalucia Rodriguez - July 21st
  • Santiago Yarza - July 22nd
  • Sergio Acosta - July 25th
  • Dominik Pacheco - July 26th
  • Elizabeth Colbert - July 29th
  • Emma Colbert - July 29th
  • John Valdez - July 29th

Coaches & Staff:
  • Jessica Ostos - July 25th

]]>Fri, 03 Jul 2026 01:08:47 -0700<![CDATA[BVBIA El Paso 2018 Girls Make History with Club's First-Ever Girls League Title]]>https://www.bvbia-elpaso.com/blogs/post/bvbia-el-paso-2018-girls-make-history-with-club-s-first-ever-girls-league-title

EL PASO, Texas - Every club has a moment that defines its future.

This spring, BVB International Academy El Paso's 2018 Girls created one of those moments, becoming the first girls' team in club history to win an EPPL Title. The championship is another milestone for an academy that has continued to grow since its founding in 2022. In just four years, the club has reached a milestone that reflects its continued commitment to growing the game and creating opportunities for young female athletes throughout the Borderland. As one of the club's first two all-girls teams, these players did more than just lift a trophy; they laid the foundation for the future of girls' soccer at BVBIA El Paso.

This season began with plenty of unknowns. The 2018 Girls had many players who were new to the sport. Director of Soccer Operations Nancy Mankamyer had the opportunity to lead the historic team and says the accomplishment represents much more than the final standings.


"Leading the 2018 Girls EPPL Championship squad was an incredible honor. I am deeply thankful to the BVBIA - El Paso leadership and the assistant coaches whose unwavering support helped bring this vision to life. Together, we shared a single mission: to launch the girls' program and build something truly meaningful. Little did we know, this team would carve its name into BVBIA - El Paso history. This achievement was about far more than trophies; it was about paving the way for every girl who follows in a black and yellow uniform."


As the season unfolded, the team's confidence continued to grow. Experienced players welcomed newcomers, families filled the sidelines with support, and each training session strengthened the group's belief in what they could accomplish together.

"Starting the season as one of the club’s first two all-girls teams, these athletes courageously faced the challenge ahead. Many were new to soccer, but with the encouragement of experienced teammates and the dedication of their families, they made remarkable progress. We learned from losses, worked hard to develop each player, and focused on the most important value: enjoyment. Their bond was undeniable. While the joy of the game united them, it was their resilience, growth, and genuine care for each other that defined their success."

The title was earned through steady progress throughout the spring season. The players embraced every opportunity to learn, and by the championship match, they had become a team that trusted one another and competed with confidence. Their success reflects the values that continue to guide BVBIA El Paso both on and off the field. Looking back on the season, Mankamyer believes the impact on this group will be felt for years to come.

"This season was a testament to the power of community, commitment, and belief in potential. Every practice, every game, and every cheer from the sidelines built a foundation for the future of girls' soccer in El Paso. These young athletes not only grew as players but as leaders, friends, and role models. Their journey is just beginning, and the legacy they’ve created will inspire many more to come."

The Spring 2026 championship will always be remembered as the first girls' title in BVBIA El Paso history, but its impact extends well beyond the trophy. The team gave the club's girls program its first defining moment and set a standard for those who follow. As future players put on the black-and-yellow jersey, they'll build on the foundation established by the 2018 Girls, whose historic season defined what this program can become. 

]]>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:49:44 -0700<![CDATA[May Players of the Month]]>https://www.bvbia-elpaso.com/blogs/post/may-players-of-the-month


Congratulations to Ambrose Nordquist from our BVB09-Black Team and Esteban Palacios from our BVB20-Black Team, on being named Players of the Month for May!

The effort you’re both putting in is really showing. It’s awesome to see your growth and how much you’re improving. Keep working hard and enjoying the game!

HEJA BVB! 💛🖤⚽️


]]>Thu, 28 May 2026 11:21:29 -0700<![CDATA[June Birthdays]]>https://www.bvbia-elpaso.com/blogs/post/june-birthdays

Cheers to our BVB International Academy El Paso players celebrating birthdays this June! Your energy, dedication, and love for the game make our club stronger every day. We hope your birthday brings plenty of joy, unforgettable moments, and success both on and off the field. Make it a month to remember!

Players:
  • Mariandrea Montes - June 1st
  • Adelyne Trujilo - June 8th
  • Noah Ruiz - June 12th 
  • Aiden Campell - June 15th 
  • Rokko Jimenez - June 17th
  • Zuria Urbina - June 17th
  • Ambrose Nordquist - June 21st
  • Joshua May - June 22nd
  • Emiliano Orosco - June 23rd
  • Natalia Morales - June 29th
]]>Thu, 28 May 2026 11:07:43 -0700<![CDATA[May Birthdays]]>https://www.bvbia-elpaso.com/blogs/post/may-birthdays




  • May is here and the energy is rising! A big Happy Birthday to all our players celebrating this month. Your passion, dedication, and drive continue to set the tone for everything we do. Let’s make this month one to remember with hard work, growth, and plenty of moments to celebrate on and off the pitch.

    Players:
    • Juan Daniel Carrera - May 1st
    • Cristiano Martinez - May 6th
    • Vianney Stephenson - May 7th
    • Melany Moreno - May 8th
    • Milan Martinez - May 10th
    • Nico Casillas - May 15th
    • Edalyn Velez - May 17th
    • Isreal Campusano - May 20th
    • Celia Rodriguez - May 20th 
    • Kaleb Wiggs - May 21st
    • Noah Padilla - May 22nd
    • Techno Velez - May 23rd

    Staff:
    • Jim May - May 19th
]]>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:58:47 -0700<![CDATA[April Birthdays]]>https://www.bvbia-elpaso.com/blogs/post/april-birthdays

  • New month, same BVB grit! Happy Birthday to our players celebrating throughout April. We're so proud of the heart you bring to the game. Here’s to a month of fresh opportunities and big wins on the pitch. Celebrate loud and proud!


    Players:
    • Preston Edwards - April 1st
    • Zachary Quinn - April 5th
    • Ilan Martinez - April 10th
    • Ezekiel Tejada - April 13th
    • Derrek Rodriguez - April 18th
    • Santiago Rodriguez - April 25th
    • Ximena Grado - April 29th
    • Marco Salas - April 30th
    • Nico Santillan - April 30th

    Staff
    • Luke McMinn - April 2nd
    • Hector Beltran - April 5th
    • Dustin Wiggs - April 25th
]]>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:27:43 -0700<![CDATA[April Players of the Month]]>https://www.bvbia-elpaso.com/blogs/post/april-players-of-the-month


Congratulations to Mila Sanchez and Dominik Pacheco, both from our BVB17-Black Team, on being named Players of the Month for April!

Your drive and determination never go unnoticed, and we're incredibly proud as a club to see you both succeed. Keep up the great work!

HEJA BVB!


]]>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:19:59 -0700<![CDATA[Coaches Spotlight: Coach Joe Martinez]]>https://www.bvbia-elpaso.com/blogs/post/coaches-spotlight-coach-joe-martinez

Coach Joe Martinez is one of the familiar faces who has helped shape BVB International Academy El Paso since day one. With 19 years of coaching experience, he’s built a strong reputation across the El Paso soccer community, with stops at El Paso Storm, Miners FC, Sparta FC, El Paso Locomotive, and now BVB. 

Since joining the club in 2022, Coach Joe has worked with a variety of age groups, including the 2009s, 2008s, 2012s, and now the 2017 Black team, while also contributing to the BVB School of Excellence. No matter the age group, his approach stays the same in creating a positive, competitive environment where players can grow and genuinely enjoy the game.

For Coach Joe, its not just about winning; its about helping players build skills, confidence, and respect for the sport. That mindset is exactly what makes him such a great fit at BVB.

As Director of Soccer Operations, Nancy Mankamyer puts it: “Coach Joe’s approach to the game is directly in line with the BVB Dortmund philosophy, not about the scoreline, but the desired result, which is the development and progress of players. His overall demeanor is positive, empathetic, and driven. We are fortunate to have Coach Joe on our staff here at BVBIA El Paso.”

Here's a fun fact about Coach Joe: he always carries a small figurine of Lionel Messi in his pocket during training and games. The players don’t know it, but for him, it’s a reminder of what passion, competitiveness, and love for the game really look like. We are grateful to have him at BVBIA El Paso and thankful for the positive impact he brings to our players and families.


]]>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:15:45 -0700<![CDATA[March Birthdays]]>https://www.bvbia-elpaso.com/blogs/post/march-birthdays

Happy Birthday to our BVB International Academy El Paso players celebrating in March! Your passion, commitment, and effort continue to inspire us every day. Wishing you a month filled with happiness, exciting opportunities, and many great moments on the pitch. Enjoy your special day and celebrate all month long! 


Players:
  • Dafni Rocha - March 2nd
  • Elenore Hanany - March 6th
  • Jackson Jones - March 10th
  • Sophia McDonald - March 11th
  • Steven Douglas - March 12th
  • Elijah Park - March 13th
  • Anna Hernandez - March 22nd
  • Naseema Flores - March 26th
  • Meilani Salas - March 28th
]]>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:39:44 -0700<![CDATA[Coaches Spotlight: Coach Marisela Flores]]>https://www.bvbia-elpaso.com/blogs/post/coaches-spotlight-coach-marisela-flores

We're excited to spotlight Coach Marisela Flores, one of our dedicated coaches, making a tremendous impact here at BVB International Academy El Paso.

Marisela grew up in Southern California and later spent time in Colorado before moving to El Paso. Soccer has been part of her life from a young age. She played for NHB and Stampede early on, continued at Ayala High School, and later took the pitch at Mt. San Antonio College. The game eventually led her into officiating. She worked competitive matches in events such as the US Open Cup, Dallas Cup, and Youth Regionals. Time spent on the field in many roles gave her patience, perspective, and a strong understanding of the game.

Today, she coaches our girls teams and leads sessions with the Mini Bees. She earned her Grassroots Coaching License and is currently working toward her D License. She continues to learn and grow so she can better serve her players while sharing her knowledge.

At home, Marisela is raising four children. That part of her life shapes how she leads, her teams; patient, supportive, and strong. We are grateful to have her at BVBIA El Paso and thankful for the positive impact she brings to our players and families.


]]>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:11:35 -0700