By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
Several San Benito High School seniors recently signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers while furthering their education at the collegiate level.
Among those student-athletes was Amy Herrera, who played for the San Benito Lady Greyhounds under Head Coach Wilbert Padron.
Herrera signed her letter of intent to play soccer at Texas Southmost College (TSC) in nearby Brownsville.
She helped the team earn a postseason appearance during her senior year.
One of her final events as an SBHS athlete was playing in the annual Rio Grande Valley Soccer Coaches’ Organization’s East-West game at Layton Stadium near Edcouch-Elsa High School.
A few weeks later, Herrera inked her collegiate letter.
“I decided on TSC because playing for the Scorpions lets me represent my community in front of my family and friends. It’s not far from my hometown. TSC gave me a chance to do what I love, which is to play competitive soccer,” Herrera said.
According to the TSC roster, there were 28 players, many of them from Hidalgo County.
Herrera is teaming up with at least six returning women who hail from Los Fresnos, Brownsville, and Raymondville.
Herrera said that at SBHS, matches against talented individuals from across the Valley only enhanced her abilities and that she grew in confidence.
“Playing for the Lady ‘Hounds helped me build one of the most dedicated athletic foundations needed to transition to a program like TSC,” Herrera said. “Playing against rigorous Rio Grande Valley powerhouse teams forced me to play at a faster pace, think more quickly on the ball, and adapt to high-intensity tactics.”
She feels that having been a product of the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District shaped her into a “resilient, community-minded individual” for both higher education and adult life.
“I’m embracing a deep-rooted work ethic and strong cultural identity,” Herrera said.
Among the other SBHS individuals with collegiate aspirations is Joe Ibarra, who signed a letter of intent to continue his track-and-field career at St. Edward’s University in Austin. His coaches said his hard work, dedication, and passion for running earned him this opportunity.
Genesis Meza signed a letter of intent to continue her track and field career at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo. SBHS Head Coach Sonia White said Meza’s signing reflects her perseverance and commitment as both a student and an athlete.
Laila Lopez signed to join the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley dance team, and Jordin Garza signed to join the Stephen F. Austin University dance team.