Mallory Henderson has spent her high school career blazing up and down the soccer field for the McAllen High girls’ soccer team.
Henderson, a senior, signed her national letter of intent Tuesday in front of family and friends at the McHi gym to continue her playing and academic careers for Division I Texas State University in San Marcos.
“This whole journey has been something I’ve been dreaming of my whole life,” Henderson said. “I started getting serious about the recruiting process my sophomore year. I talked with a lot of coaches, but Texas State felt like home.”
She joins her sister, Westyn, and brother Gunnar, as a DI athlete. Westyn plays soccer for Texas A&M, while Gunnar plays football for TCU.
“They have been my role model since growing up, and seeing them go through the process made it easier on me and my family,” Henderson said. “I knew what to do and got to where I wanted to be.
“I’m thankful I wasn’t the oldest and didn’t have to do it alone.”
McAllen High head coach Patrick Arney said while the end result looks simple, it takes an amazingly determined effort to play at the college level, especially DI.
“Today is just a good day. These are special days we can celebrate,” Arney said. “Her dad said it best when he said this just doesn’t happen. You have to work hard and have dedication and make sacrifices — not only the athletes, but the entire family.
“You put in all that work just for the chance of getting something good. Nobody says you’re going to get a scholarship. She has worked extremely hard.”
Henderson is in her fourth year on the varsity soccer and track teams. She was also a Texas High School Coaches Association second-team all-state forward for the 2020-21 season. She was the District 31-5A offensive MVP and tallied 28 goals and 12 assists last season. She is president of the McHi Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a leader in her church youth group.
“She is such a versatile player. She’s played every position almost except for goalie and does an outstanding job everywhere,” Arney said. “She’s got speed, endurance, smarts and she’s just a coach’s dream. She understands the concept of team.”
Henderson said now that this goal has been checked off, she can focus on the upcoming season.
“It’s definitely a sense of relief,” said Henderson, who wants to go into nursing or physical therapy. “I’m set on going to Texas State and there’s no turning back. Now I’m going to prepare myself to get in the best shape mentally and physically for the season.”