Sammy Khalaf is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Heritage Academy Laveen High School for AZPreps365.com

It has been a long road for Heritage Academy Laveen wide receiver Paul “PJ” Soltero. Soltero was once plagued by several injuries throughout his high school career. The multi-sport athlete is determined to make his dreams come true beyond high school. 

During his sophomore season in a game, Soltero broke his collarbone, which required surgery and sidelined him for the rest of the season. Soltero also missed the basketball and baseball seasons. Soltero said that the injury worsened over time, and he had to get surgery once again. 

“They put a pin in it,” Soltero said. “Five months later, it didn’t heal properly, so I had to get another surgery.”

The collarbone injury didn’t discourage him, however, as the 5-foot-9, 155-pounder returned with a vengeance.

The feeling of missing out pushed Soltero to come back stronger than ever. While the wide receiver was on the sidelines, Heritage went on to win the 2A Agua Fria Region. The Heroes went to state but lost to Tonopah Valley High School 75-14. Despite the loss, it was the greatest football season in school history. 

“Most would think that I was holding back because of how scared I was to break my collarbone again, but I believe that wasn’t the case,” Soltero said. “That feeling of missing out on big accomplishments that my team made without me and wanting to come back stronger than ever pushed me to give it my all.”

The collarbone isn’t the only roadblock for the wide receiver with a GPA over 4.0 as Soltero continues to struggle with ankle injuries. According to the multi-sport athlete, it all started sophomore year before his collarbone injury. 

“I have continuously sprained my ankle,” Soltero said. “It’s been a continuous cycle. Football is a grinding sport. I’m dealing with these hurting injuries, but we’re going to push through them.”

The senior wide receiver currently has 29 catches for 313 yards with eight receiving touchdown this season. Soltero’s journey is a balance on and off the field. Even on his worst days, Soltero continues to inspire those around him. Being named a senior captain is a “privilege” according to Soltero.

“It feels great,” sid Soltero, who is second on the team in rushing yards (195 yards, 1 TD). “Being a mentor for all the underclassmen and being a role model coming back from injuries.”

Heritage quarterback Kaleb “Bubba” Burras said Soltero’s story motivates him as a player. 

“It shows his resilience,” Burras said. “It inspires me to keep going even if I’m hurting.”

Heritage outside linebacker Sharyar Malik said the wide receiver is a “brother” to him.

“Since day one, he has always been there for me,” Malik said. “Out on the field it really shows that we have that chemistry together.”

In addition to his football duties, Soltero plays on the varsity level for Heritage basketball and baseball. It’s the offensive juggernaut’s love for sports that keeps him active all year round.

“I just want to keep doing as much as I can,” Soltero said. “Just keep grinding and keeping up with academics.”

Heritage head coach Nick Offenberger believes that Soltero being a multi-sport athlete sets an example for the younger players. 

“It shows them the kind of student we want in this program,” Offenberger said. He’s a great mentor to these younger kids. Not only is he a dynamite football player, he’s one of the best basketball and baseball players we have in this school.”

Soltero is having one of his best seasons yet coming off of brutal injuries from the past. He hopes to create more memories for his senior year. As football season comes to an end, he’ll have more opportunities to strive for as basketball season kicks off in the winter, and baseball season kicks off in the spring.