SAUL BERRIOS-THOMAS | STAFF WRITER
McALLEN — For McAllen High senior Julia Monday, playing college volleyball has been a life-long dream.
On Thursday, that dream became a reality, as Monday signed a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball for NCAA Division I Incarnate Word.
“It’s an incredible program,” Monday said. “I am so blessed to be a part of it. I am so excited, because I have been working so hard these past couple of years and it really has paid off.”
Making it even sweeter is that Monday’s first pick was UIW. Monday had to wait a little longer than expected to hear back from the Cardinals, but when she did she heard good news. She knew that it was worth the wait to join a top program not far from home.
“I’m so excited, because I’m not one to travel far from my parents,” Monday said. “It means a lot that I can be in their backyard, basically.”
McAllen High coach Paula Dodge was excited to see Monday’s dream come true. Dodger called Monday “an all-around special person” and said was a vital part of a team that is playing in this weekend’s Class 6A regional tournament in Edinburg.
“She is one of our leaders,” Dodge said. “She has been on the varsity team for four years. She is one of our captains. She leads on and off the court.”
The entire Lady Bulldog team was there Thursday afternoon to see Monday sign, further evidence of her impact on the team.
“It’s super exciting for her,” senior middle blocker Sydney Pemelton said. “I know she has worked really hard to achieve her goals. I am extremely proud she got to sign and gets to continue to play volleyball.”