NATHANIEL MATA | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
Sharyland Pioneer senior Joaquin Delgado is ready to take his game to the next level: college tennis. Well, after the UIL Class 5A State Tournament, that is.
The four-year letterman signed his letter of intent to attend Abilene Christian University next fall on Friday afternoon in Pioneer’s gym.
He will leave high school with two District 31-5A singles championships to his name. He also led the Diamondbacks to consecutive boys team titles during his junior and senior seasons.
This season, he’s trying to top his performance from last year, when he was a state runner-up. He’ll have a chance to chase that crown in May.
“I always knew I could (play college tennis), and that was my goal,” Delgado said. “I always worked hard for it. I’m glad the hard work paid off.”
His coach for three years at Pioneer, Rick Rivera, praised his passion.
“This is probably one of, if not the, highlight of my coaching career, having someone like him,” Rivera said. “He’s the all-around athlete. Never had senioritis. He’s the first one here. Never missed practice.”
“Joaquin’s still growing. He’s young. I know he’s going to get stronger, quicker, faster. He’s a great student on and off the court, so that’s something that’s really going to help with their program. He’s just a role model in every sense, and they’re lucky to have him.”
Delgado was a founding member of the tennis program at his high school, moving over from Sharyland High after his freshman year.
“Words can’t explain how high school tennis was,” Delgado said. “It’s going to be one of my best memories I’m going to have in high school. So I’m just trying to enjoy these last few weeks of high school tennis.”
Abilene Christian’s tough schedule includes frequent matchups against Big 12 schools like Texas and Baylor, as well as mid-major competition like UTSA and Temple.
“That was one of the attractions Abilene Christian had,” Delgado said. “They have a very tough schedule. They play the best in Division I. So I’m very excited to play these top schools. I can’t wait.”
He’ll be the lone Rio Grande Valley athlete on the roster. This year, eight of the team’s 10 players were from Texas.
The Wildcats are coached by Hutton Jones and compete in the Southland Conference.
As for how Delgado says he’ll prepare for the next level? He thinks he’s already close.
“I feel ready,” Delgado said. “I’ve been working hard, and I’m going to continue to keep working harder and just playing smarter and control my emotions better, and I’ll be ready.”