By ROY HESS | Staff Writer
Just when they needed her, Denisse Romero showed up as a freshman to play soccer for the Porter Cowgirls.
After the 2018 season, the Cowgirls graduated a proven scorer in Priscila Cortinas, who is now playing in college. During Porter’s 2019 season, Romero, a midfielder, took over Cortinas’ role as a go-to scorer.
Romero immediately made an impact with 19 goals in leading the Cowgirls of District 32-5A to the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
She is The Brownsville Herald’s All-Metro Newcomer of the Year for girls soccer.
“I’m very happy to be a member of the team at Porter,” Romero said. “We’re a very united team.
“We expected better results (in the playoffs after being eliminated in the first round), but we have to work hard in preparation for next season to have better results,” she added. “We’re already anxious for the next season to begin. We want to go farther (in the playoffs).”
Romero was named newcomer of the year on the All-District 32-5A team as well.
“One of the things that surprised me was how much talent she has because she’s only 14 years old,” Cowgirls coach Abraham Gracia said. “She’s already playing as well or better than some of our seniors.
“As a player, she is very important in our program,” the coach added. “She is a very committed and hard-working player for us. Even though she’s one of our most talented players at the moment, she sets the example by working hard and going all out in all of our practices and games.”
There could be more awards in her future while playing for Porter. But for the moment, Romero appreciates the honors she has received as a freshman.
“I’m very content,” Romero said. “To receive awards like I’m receiving means I’ve tried to do my best, and it’s like a reward. I’m very grateful.
“We have a great coach in Coach Gracia, and he’s always trying to help us in every game,” she added. “We want to go far (in the playoffs next season). With God’s help, we will.”