This article was written by Benitolink Intern Alexis Castro Juarez. Lea este articulo en español aquí.
Hollister resident Elyssa Hernandez, 15, experienced first taste of international competition in a February soccer world cup qualifiers tournament with El Salvador’s U17 women’s team. The world cup that is set to take place later this year in the Dominican Republic.
“I was very excited to make this big step for my future of representing a country, making this dream a reality is amazing,” Hernandez said.
Though El Salvador didn’t qualify having lost two games and tying one, Hernandez got playing time.
“They expect a lot from you there, you have to perform well on the field or you don’t get to play.” she said. The expectations are higher compared to the States.”
Hernandez, who plays competitive soccer in a league in Santa Clara and was part of Hollister High School’s 2023-24 varsity team, said another challenge in the tournament that took place in Mexico was dealing with the pressure and her mental health.
“You can’t be just good in the field, your mind has to be good too and be confident in yourself. If not, you’re not going to perform well.”
Being part of the national team was not only a source of pride for Hernandez but for her family as well.
“My mom started crying because she said, “Oh my gosh, you get to represent a country and get to play against other countries like Mexico!”
Her mom, Charlene Hernandez, was a key factor in Hernandez having the opportunity to showcase her talent to El Salvador coach Eric Acuna.
Hernandez said her mom saw a post on instagram about Acuna having a training session in search of players in San Francisco for the national team El Salvador U17.
Hernandez was invited to participate in a preliminary training camp where she won her stop in the final roster for the world cup qualifying games.
Hernandez said she did not expect the support she received from the community.
“Knowing now kids my age and younger, look up to me and how proud they are of me accomplishing this, is just amazing!”
Having had to compete for playing time at various levels of club soccer, Hernandez has a clear goal— play Division 1 soccer in college. But she has to wait until June 15 when colleges can officially communicate or offer her a spot on a team she said.
But for now, she is focused on club and getting better for a potential second call up from El Salvador.
“[I’m] proud to represent the country that my family is from.” she said. “I will continue to show pride and give my all every game I’m with the national team of El Salvador.”
The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour, United Way, Taylor Farms and the Emma Bowen Foundation.
