Angelina Hix almost didn’t play soccer professionally.
In fact, she didn’t even know if collegiate soccer would be on her radar. However, a move to Oregon, and then a move back to San Diego, California, reignited her love for the game. A stint at a junior college and some international clubs later, and Hix is now a professional player with Club Tijuana of Liga MX Femenil.
However, her connection with Tijuana didn’t just begin when the team signed her in 2021. It is only a 20-mile drive between San Diego and Tijuana. Hix was a regular face around the Xolos stadium and training sites.
“I have been involved with Xolos for a while,” Hix told The Equalizer. “Before they were a professional team, I did tournaments with them. I played with teams in California, and we did friendlies against them. I’ve always known Xolos and been involved with the club.”
That experience with the club made her want to join when foreigners were allowed to enter Liga MX Femenil. She was the first American to sign for Xolos — and the first American to enter the league.
“I don’t think too much about being the first American to come to the league,” Hix said. “There’s already been so many Mexican-American players that came to the league. They paved the way for us. I’ve been super thankful for this experience, and to play here is super fun. If me coming here helped open the door for any other American player to play here, then that’s super cool. I’m just glad more players are coming from all different countries to play in Mexico.”
