Joe Gonzalez is headed to Preston, England, after becoming what Dallas ISD believes is the first student-athlete in district history to earn the scholarship.
DALLAS — At Dallas ISD’s Lincoln High School, they talk often about creating “Lincoln Legends.”
And Senior soccer standout Joe Gonzalez is proving exactly what that means.
Known on campus as “Captain Joe,” Gonzalez has become what Dallas ISD believes is the first student-athlete in district history to earn an international soccer scholarship. This fall, he will head to Preston, England, to attend the University of Lancashire while playing for Macclesfield FC.
“What do we do? Get busy! Take a warmup lap!” Lincoln soccer coach Stanley Haines shouts across the field as practice begins.
For Gonzalez, soccer started long before varsity matches and scholarship offers. It began in the backyard with family.
“When we used to have a little cookout or something, we would probably be playing in the backyard,” Gonzalez said. “We used to call it a casadita.”
He says soccer has always been part of his family’s identity.
“My whole family was into soccer, but my brother was the connoisseur of soccer,” Gonzalez said.
That love for the game quickly became serious. By his freshman year, Gonzalez was already competing on varsity against older and more experienced players.
“I went into varsity as soon as I was a freshman, and I got thrown right into the fire,” he said.
Coach Haines says Gonzalez immediately stood out.
“He had the commitment, he had the responsibility, he was very motivated,” Haines said. “I knew this kid was special.”
By sophomore year, teammates and coaches had given him the nickname “Captain Joe,” recognizing both his leadership and impact on the field. Under his leadership, Lincoln’s soccer program gained new attention and playoff success.
“Joe is creating his own legacy,” Haines said.
And for a school traditionally recognized more for other sports, Haines says Gonzalez helped transform the culture surrounding soccer.
“Wasn’t a soccer program, but now it is a program,” Haines said.
Now, Gonzalez is preparing for the next level overseas.
“Their level is what I was looking for,” Gonzalez said about the opportunity to play in England.
His older brother, Alan Guerrero, says the move feels like a natural next step.
“I’m very proud because where he’s going in Europe, the levels are a bit higher,” Guerrero said.
But Gonzalez’s accomplishments extend far beyond the soccer field. The Lincoln Senior is graduating as Salutatorian and will also leave high school with his associate degree through an early college program.
“I’m going to graduate salutatorian, so I’m second in my class out of 130,” Gonzalez said.
His mother, Jannet Guerrero, says his determination has been clear since childhood.
“Desde chiquito… siempre lo que él ha querido lo ha tenido,” she said. “Since he was little, whatever he’s wanted, he’s achieved.”
She says watching him prepare to leave for England is emotional, but rewarding.
“Estoy feliz porque él va cumplir sus sueños,” she said. “I’m happy because he’s going to fulfill his dreams.”
His father, Jose Gonzalez, says faith has always guided their family.
“Adonde quiera que vaya… Dios siempre va a estar con él,” he said. “Wherever he goes, God will always be with him.”
As Gonzalez prepares to move overseas for the first time, he says faith has replaced fear.
“I’m going in blind,” he said. “I’m not scared, I’m just very excited to go.”
Before leaving Texas, Gonzalez is also excited to witness another major soccer milestone close to home — the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup matches coming to North Texas.
“All my life we’ve just seen it on TV,” Gonzalez said. “To be able to have that almost in my backyard, it’s huge. To be able to witness that in person is life-changing.”
From backyard games with family to becoming “Captain Joe,” Gonzalez’s journey is already making history.
And from Dallas to England, one Lincoln Legend is just getting started.
Joe Gonzalez graduates from Lincoln High School on Sunday, May 24th, 2026. He departs for England in September. Congratulations, Joe! Dallas ISD is proud of you!