KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
RAYMONDVILLE—When Taylor Vento arrived at Raymondville High School four years ago, neither her nor her coach Felix Silva knew what to expect.
Though Silva saw what he had and knew he could develop the 5-foot-11-inch post.
Four years later, Vento became a household name and a two-time All-District 32-4A player and provided the Lady BearKats with solid play over the years.
On Wednesday, Vento saw everything come full circle as she signed her letter of intent to play basketball at Sul Ross University in Alpine.
“Today’s signing day means a lot to me,” Vento said. “It’s been a long time since a girl from Raymondville has signed to play basketball at the college level, so for me to be able to do this is big for the school and myself. I visited campus, it is beautiful and surrounded by mountains. The coaching staff and teachers are all wonderful and welcoming.”
Vento is a multisport athlete, but found her calling on the court. It was her sophomore year when Vento officially arrived.
“We were playing La Feria and it was her sophomore year,” Silva said. “Taylor was on defense and went up and blocked a shot and I knew then she had officially arrived.”
Vento wrapped her senior season with All-District 32-4A selection for a second straight year while averaging 14.1 points, 12.3 rebounds and 4.5 blocks per game.
Vento played post and plans to play the same position for the Lobos.
“That is why I signed on for,” she said. “They need someone to play the post position and I’ll be ready to fill in at the position.”
The biggest challenges for Vento will the distance from Raymondville to Alpine along with the level of competition that she will be playing with.
“I know I will get homesick for sure and another thing is the level of competition,” she said. “The level of play will be way different from varsity to the college level.”