By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
Gloria Ortegon, Estrella Espinoza and Samantha Ruiz have been vital contributors to the Lopez Lady Lobos soccer team for a number of seasons.
Thanks to Tuesday’s athletic scholarship signings, the three graduating seniors will continue their soccer careers together at Texas A&M International University in Laredo.
The three players — all midfielders and starters for multiple seasons — were honored at a signing ceremony at Lopez with teammates, family, friends and Brownsville ISD staff members witnessing the event.
“This is pretty amazing because it’s something I thought would never happen,” said Espinoza, who plans to study nursing. “To be able to go play soccer in college with my closest friends is a great privilege. This is a great opportunity for us.”
The Lady Lobos won a district championship for the second time in three years this season and advanced to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs.
“It’s exciting to see these girls’ faces (at their signing) and the excitement of their parents,” Lady Lobos coach Alex Macias said. “It means a lot to us (as coaches). It’s never about winning trophies. It’s about moving forward and having something to look forward to (in life).”
It was quite a day for the Ortegon family. In addition to Gloria signing with A&M International, Ulysses Ortegon, her twin brother, signed to play soccer for Texas College in Tyler. Three other players from the Lopez boys team also signed with Texas College on Tuesday, making it a total of seven honorees at the ceremony in the school auditorium.
“This day is very special, especially now that I know I’m going to continue the next chapter of my life,” said Gloria, who also plans to study nursing. “Playing college ball with my best friends is great.
“The expectation I have for college is to keep going and never stop,” she added. “I’m just thankful for all the support we’ve gotten throughout the years. Without my teammates and my coaches, I wouldn’t be getting this opportunity to play in college.”
Ruiz has been a key performer at center midfielder for the Lady Lobos since she was a freshman. Now she’s taking her soccer skills to the next level.
“This day is a blessing and it means so much to me to continue playing the sport I love,” said Ruiz, who plans to study psychology. “To do it with my two closest friends, I couldn’t be happier. I’m just very proud of this moment. I’m grateful for my team and for the people who have supported it, and I just thank everyone who’s been there with me every step of the way.”
Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess