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MISSION — Sharyland High’s Diego Heredia has made the most of his limited opportunities. Throughout his four years with the Rattlers, the senior has only competed in one complete season of cross-country and track.
He struggled to catch on to the program’s varsity squad as a freshman, followed by his sophomore campaign being cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, Heredia has been off the track with a stress fracture on his foot.
During his junior season, however, Heredia shone. The Rattlers’ distance runner set a school record in the 3,200-meter run that year, clocking in at 9 minutes, 18.75 seconds during the Region IV-5A track and field championships. He capped off the season with a sixth place at the UIL Class 5A state meet.
“It was not by mistake. It was by plan,” Sharyland High track coach Mario Garcia said. “Early during that track season I remember Diego and I were standing by the record board and staring at the times that were up there. I remember him asking me if it was possible. I’m the type of person that believes if we wake up and take a breath, there is always a possibility. … He had a good mindset and history was made.”
Heredia’s lone full season was enough to garner the attention of college coaches, earning him the chance to compete at the next level with Texas A&M, a Division I program which competes in the Southeastern Conference.
He made it official Tuesday, signing his national letter of intent in front of his coaches, family and friends at the Sharyland High Auditorium, committing to continue his cross-country and track career with the Aggies.
“It’s very exciting. I’ve been working for this my whole life almost,” Heredia said. “I’ve had a lot of ups and downs throughout my career, but we finally made it to the next level. … It feels very good. My teammates and my family played a big part in it. They’ve been very supportive of me.”
Heredia’s decision to join Texas A&M’s program wasn’t a difficult one to make, he said, with both his parents and brother attending the university.
Additionally, he recalls competing in Texas Amateur Athletic Federation track meets at College Station when he was younger, with those events first sparking his interest in the school.
“Since I was l competed in TAAF races. I remember we would always go to College Station for state meets,” Heredia said. “I remember telling my friends I was going to go to A&M. In my mind, I didn’t think it was possible. … When I went on my visit, I saw the facilities and they were nice. I just kept working hard and I finally made it.
Heredia joins the Aggies on what he referred to as a progressive scholarship, which is based on his performance throughout the year. He plans to major in business and finance at Texas A&M.
