Urquidez Signs with Sterling College Warriors

By Don Eskins

Former Caveman soccer player, Daesen Urquidez, signed a letter of intent to compete collegiately with the Sterling College Warriors on Wednesday, March 4, at CHS.

Sterling College, a four-year college located in Sterling, KA, is an NAIA school and competes in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. During 2025, the Warriors posted an overall record of 5-11-1. In conference play, they were 3-10.

Urquidez, a three-time All-District 4/5A defender, said he feels like Sterling College will be a great place for him to continue to compete at the next level.

“Competing at the collegiate level is something I’ve wanted to do since I was about 10 years old,” he said. “So, it really feels great to finally get to realize that dream.

“It would have been nice to have found a college a bit bigger and a little closer to home. But high school soccer in southeastern New Mexico doesn’t get as much recognition, and as a result, isn’t as heavily recruited by colleges as are schools in other areas of the state,” said the collegiate-bound Urquidez.

“So, when Sterling College got in touch with me to offer me an opportunity to compete there, I found it to be just the right place for me.”

Urquidez credits Warrior head coach Nic Martinez for landing him in Sterling.

“Coach Martinez sent me an email that I answered. He soon called, and since then, we’ve had several conversations about my playing there,” he said. “He made me feel welcome, like family. I felt like playing for the Warriors would be a great spot for me, so I committed to become a part of his program.

“Besides playing soccer in Sterling, I’m also looking forward to being out on my own, to meet new people and see new places,” he said. “It all sounds really exciting, and I’m looking forward to all the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

The former Caveman said he had several people and organizations to thank for helping him develop his skills, which have allowed him to realize his dream of competing collegiately.

“Frist there’s my family and friends who have always supported me,” he said. “Then there’s the Cavemen soccer program. Under coach Fierro’s tutelage, I participated in a culture that made me enjoy playing soccer.

“Then there’s the New Mexico Rapids, a club soccer program I competed with in Albuquerque,” continued Urquidez. “With the Rapids, I got a lot of exposure, as we were showcased in front of a number of collegiate coaches at several national tournaments.”

At Sterling College, Urquidez plans to major in sports medicine.

Daesen is the son of Trey Urquidez and Valerie Duran.