Isaac Calderon

Professional Soccer Player and Youth Mentor

Isaac Calderon, a young footballer from North Las Vegas, embodies the theme of this year's National Convention through his personal story and dedication to empowering younger generations of Latinos. Starting his soccer journey at age 5, Isaac was competing in the Southern Nevada Soccer League by age 7. In 2012, he made local sports history as the youngest American, possibly in the nation, to be invited for a tryout with a professional academy in Spain, training at RCD Espanyol's academy. In 2018, he was invited to the U.S. Men's National Team Program ID camp, then drafted by MLS's Minnesota United FC Academy. In 2021, he transferred to MLS's FC Cincinnati Academy, where he made his professional debut. Last year, he joined the UAB Blazers on a scholarship.

Isaac's impressive trajectory in soccer has instilled in him valuable life lessons. Through hard work and a love for the game, he has traveled the world, met incredible people, and developed a deep appreciation for self-discipline, sacrifice, and self-improvement. Recognizing that the career of a professional athlete is brief, but the life beyond it is long, Isaac has applied the lessons learned on the pitch to all facets of his life. Today, he mentors young athletes, demonstrating the transformative power of sport to engage and empower youth.