When Ronaldo Aguilar’s phone rang in December, he was home, sitting beside his mother, as Texas A&M University–San Antonio head soccer coach Roberto Jaramillo delivered the news: Aguilar had been named an NAIA Men’s Soccer All-American.
The moment didn’t fully register until he saw his mother in tears. This wasn’t just about an award; it was about validation. This marked Aguilar’s second consecutive All-American accolade, and it proved that the long hours, the sacrifices, and the faith his family placed in him had all meant something.
“Seeing that I was doing things right and making my family proud made me even hungrier for success,” he said.
A senior forward from Chalatenango, El Salvador, Aguilar became the first two-time All-American in the University’s program history this season, cementing his place in the Jaguars’ record book. But those inside the program say the distinction reflects more than production on the stat sheet.
“Ronaldo’s second All-American selection highlights his continued growth, not just in skill, but in maturity and consistency,” Jaramillo said. “He’s taken on more responsibility and truly become a player who can change the outcome of a match anytime he steps on the field.”
Aguilar did just that throughout the Jaguars’ most successful season to date. He led the team offensively with multi-goal performances and decisive finishes in key conference matches while also tallying 10 assists, a number he values as much as any goal.
“An assist is like I scored,” Aguilar said. “If you don’t have assists, you’re not going to score. Helping my teammates is everything.”
His style blends relentless attacking pressure with patience in the final third. Even when shots did not fall, Aguilar kept pressing. Teammates encouraged him, and he returned the favor.
“What stands out most is his ability to perform at an elite level under pressure,” Jaramillo said. “Whether it’s in crucial moments of a game or maintaining high standards in every practice, his skill, work ethic, and decision-making consistently set him apart.”
That steadiness helped power a historic breakthrough as the Jaguars reached the NAIA playoffs for the first time. For a young program still defining its competitive identity, Aguilar’s leadership proved pivotal.
“Having a two-time All-American like Ronaldo reflects the growth and competitive standard of TAMUSA soccer,” Jaramillo said. “It proves that our program develops elite talent and strong leaders.”
Dr. Darnell Smith, director of intercollegiate athletics, said Aguilar’s recognition signals something larger for Jaguar Athletics.
“Ronaldo’s consecutive All-American selection is a defining moment for Jaguar Athletics,” Smith said. “As a young and growing athletic department, it validates the standards we are setting and sends a clear message that our student-athletes can compete and excel on a national stage.”
For Aguilar, that standard begins with discipline.
“Talent is not enough nowadays,” he said. “I might not be the most talented, but I can be the most disciplined. Discipline will take you places where motivation can’t.”
That mindset extends beyond the pitch. Aguilar will graduate in the spring with a B.S. in education and a 4.0 GPA from the past academic year. He plans to become a high school Spanish teacher and soccer coach, inspired by a teacher who helped set him on a successful path.
“I just want to give what I received,” Aguilar said. “If I can impact one student the way my teacher impacted me, that would mean everything.”
Balancing academics and athletics required structure. Aguilar said he always put school first.
“If I didn’t do well in school, I’m not going to do well in soccer,” he said. “Everything has to be balanced.”
That balance also guided a difficult decision. Aguilar was in discussions with a professional soccer club in El Salvador, but chose to complete his degree before pursuing that opportunity.
“My family and my coaches told me, ‘If they want you now, they’ll want you after you graduate,’” he said. “So I’m finishing this first.”
On a roster filled with talent, Aguilar emerged as a captain who his teammates respected.
“Ronaldo leads by example,” Jaramillo said. “He’s approachable, supportive, and holds himself accountable. He embodies everything we want TAMUSA men’s soccer to represent.”
Considering his time at A&M-San Antonio and the future that lies ahead, Aguilar said he’s not concerned about being remembered for his records or awards, but rather “for the person I was—the teammate, the friend, the guy who was there for everyone.”
His legacy at A&M–San Antonio already extends beyond statistics. As the first two-time All-American in program history, he helped raise the competitive bar and proved the Jaguars belong on the national stage. As a student-athlete preparing to graduate, he demonstrated that excellence is strongest when anchored in purpose.