By ROY HESS | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD
Julie Lucio ranks as one of the brightest and best golfers Brownsville has produced in quite some time.
The Brownsville Veterans Memorial senior is taking her game to the NCAA Division I level at the University of Houston next school year.
On hand for Wednesday afternoon’s college scholarship signing ceremony at the Brownsville Veterans library were family members, Brownsville ISD officials, teachers, coaches, fellow students, teammates and friends.
It was a joyous celebration for everyone present, particularly the one putting her signature on the scholarship agreement.
“Signing like this (during the early signing period) makes my (senior) season go even faster,” said Lucio, who currently ranks as the Rio Grande Valley’s top female high school golfer with a 69.5 stroke average for an 18-hole round. “I’m super excited to play college golf. Actually, I’m beyond excited.
“This makes me want to play even better now (this spring) because I know college is going to be a big challenge,” added Lucio, who ranks in the top 10 percent of her class academically and plans to study engineering at Houston. “I’m going to have to overcome my challenges in college, so by playing well next semester, it’ll make me even more positive about playing in college.
“I considered other schools, but the facilities at UH (were great) and the coaches were so humble. I really liked UH (the best) overall.”
Lucio has won district individual titles three straight seasons and will be a strong favorite to do so again in 2018. She was the Region IV-5A medalist last April in helping her team become the first girls golf squad from Brownsville to make it to the UIL state tournament. The Lady Chargers placed fifth at state in May in the girls Class 5A division. Lucio played at state as an individual qualifier her sophomore season in 2016.
To date, Lucio has captured first place in 23 of her 27 high school tournaments and is undefeated in her last 17 straight regular-season high school events. She was named All-Valley in 2015 and 2017, boasting a 70.23 stroke average as a junior.
“This day arriving for me means everything,” said Lucio, who began playing golf competitively at age 7. “My dream has always been to go on (and play in college). That’s what I was brought up to do by my father (former golf pro and college coach Jesse Lucio). All the tournaments, the practices, the struggles — everything has paid off. Golf has led me to become the person I am. Now that I’m committed to play for UH, it’s just awesome.”
Brownsville Veterans golf coach Thomas Abete said, “Julie has taught me more about golf than she probably knows. She’s a young lady who is very coachable. I have no doubt she will overcome any challenges she faces in college.”
BISD superintendent Esperanza Zendejas said she believes Lucio has the level of talent and desire to reach the professional ranks once she’s done playing in college.
“Because of your hard work, I know I’m going to see you on TV one day (playing in an LPGA tournament),” Zendejas told Lucio.
The senior standout said there are many people who have helped her a lot along the way.
“I would like to thank everyone who has led me to this point in my life,” Lucio said. “I consider myself as (still) growing because I know college golf will help me become even better. I know it’s going to take practice, practice, practice.”
Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess