By EDWARD SEVERN, Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Harlingen High Lady Cardinals first baseman Chloe Gracida signed to join the University of Texas at Dallas.
Gracida will continue her softball career at UTD and plans to double major in occupational therapy and business.
“The campus is beautiful,” Gracida said about her visits to the Dallas university. “I was nervous at first, but I finally got the nerves out. I am excited, but a little overwhelmed because I am going to be away from home.”
Gracida had a few trips up north and met with the coaches. One of the things that stood out to her besides the trees were the coaches.
“Their coaches are awesome,” Gracida said. “Coach Sarah (Morales) is from the Valley, so she knows the struggle of a female athlete from the Valley trying to get recruited. Coach Kelly (Archer) made it feel like home.
“I am excited to play at the next level.”
Gracida is the latest Lady Cardinals softball player to sign, with more likely to join in.
“Chloe has done a tremendous job in the offseason,” Lady Cards coach Kevin Ledesma said. “In the weight room and on the field, Chloe leads by example and does everything she has to do. She is great and a reliable teammate. She has worked extremely hard to get here.”
Her parents were happy for their daughter.
“I am super excited for her,” father Eddie Gracida said. “This does not happen to everybody, and she has worked hard for this. Her future is exciting.”
Said mother Melissa Gracida, “I am extremely proud. All the hard work, dedication and determination she has put in over the years is exciting.”
Chloe Gracida and teammates have started practice and scrimmaged as she embarks on her final season as Lady Cards softball player.
“The chemistry is there,” she said. “I am excited, and I know Coach Kevin is as excited as we are. We have not had the best luck in the last few years, but I feel this year is the one.”