By JOSHUA McKINNEY, Staff Writer
It’s never too late to chase your dreams. Just ask Jessica Aguilar.
Aguilar, a senior setter for the Pace Lady Vikings in 2015, signed to play volleyball for NJCAA school Hesston College, located in Hesston, Kansas, on Thursday and will report to start her season in just a week.
It’s something the 2015 District 32-5A Co-Setter of the year has looked forward to doing since she first stepped on a court.
“It’s my dream to play college volleyball,” Aguilar said.
Hesston College sent her the signing papers last week, so the timing might be late, but it’s precisely the right moment for another Metro-area athlete to move on to the next level.
“As long as it happens, that’s all that matters, getting these girls noticed outside of the Valley and getting them to the next level, that they’re going to come in and work hard to perfect their craft,” said Pace coach Gavin Rudder, who’s entering his fourth season leading the Lady Vikings. “That’s what’s really going to help.”
Aguilar is Rudder’s first volleyball player to sign for a college, which follows Pace’s first playoff berth under him after finishing fourth in District 32-5A with a 7-7 district record.
Hesston College found Aguilar by reaching out to Rudder about finding someone to be a setter and hitter for the team.
His first recommendation to Lady Larks coach DeeDee Landres was Aguilar, who’s started for him since Day 1.
“I’ve known her since she was a little kid,” Rudder said. “She has great work ethic. She’s a great leader, on and off the court. She’s just very volleyball knowledgeable.”
Aguilar went to Hesston and tried out for the team.
Now she’s officially signed to play college volleyball in 2016.
Her only expectation heading into next week is to do well while playing for the Lady Larks the next two seasons.
“I’m setting high expectations for myself, just so I can make it up there,” Aguilar said.
Joshua McKinney covers high school sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @joshuabvherald.