By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
In a room full of family, friends and coaches, Los Fresnos seniors Kassidi Arellano and Alondra Lopez took their friendship to the next level.
They shared the stage on one of their biggest days as they both signed to play soccer at Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins. Though this is the first year the two have played soccer together, they’ve been lifelong friends through a shared church and are excited to be taking this next step together.
Initially, Lopez was hesitant to go somewhere more than eight hours away from home, but after Arellano made the decision in November she continued to encourage her to do the same.
“I didn’t want to go too far from home because my parents have always been there for me and it’s scary knowing my mom won’t be there when I get home, but Kassidi said (Jarvis men’s and women’s soccer coach Demetrio Hernandez) really wants you, let’s do it, and I said OK,” Lopez said. “(Having her with me) is like a little piece of home. It’s an amazing opportunity to go with someone that we love.”
Falcons coach Diego Luna opened the ceremony with a speech congratulating his players and said he expects them to go far in soccer and life because of their fighting spirit.
“These two ladies are going to be an excellent addition to Jarvis,” Luna said. “I’m very proud of what they are accomplishing, and I’m excited to see what they’ll do at the next level.”
Hernandez was in attendance and said a few words before handing his newest signees blue Bulldogs T-shirts. He has been a collegiate soccer coach since 2004 and said in that time he has recruited 75 percent of his players from South Texas, from Laredo to Brownsville.
Lopez said the excitement Hernandez displayed through the recruitment process was a big reason she chose Jarvis, and Arellano added that his welcoming demeanor was comforting and made them want to play for him.
Both girls got emotional as they spoke about those who helped them achieve this goal, especially when thanking their parents. They both credited Luna for pushing and motivating them to be better, and thanked God for giving them this opportunity.
“I want to thank my mom and my dad, they’ve been my No. 1 supporters since the minute I told them I wanted to play soccer,” Lopez said. “My dad has been pushing me to be the best version of myself I could be.”
Arellano also mentioned her dad playing a big role in developing her love for soccer, and they both joked about their fathers being loud at their soccer games.
“My parents have been there at every soccer game, track meet, cross country meet, no matter how boring and long they are,” Arellano said. “Without (my dad) I wouldn’t like soccer. It’s his favorite sport, he’s very passionate about it, and I learned everything from him.”
Arellano also plans to compete for Jarvis’ cross country team and will be studying education, as she plans to be a teacher after graduation. Lopez will be a kinesiology major and wants to come back and coach soccer someday.