HARLINGEN — Harlingen South soccer standout Sarah Garza signed with St. Mary’s University in San Antonio to continue her playing career.
“Ever since I was kid, I always dreamed of playing as long or as long as I could possibly do it,” she said. “The opportunity of continuing to play into my college years is something that I am very excited about. I cannot wait to continue doing what I love.”
Garza has deep roots in the community. Her father, Andres Garza, coached with South soccer coach Omar Pedroza at the middle school level during the 1990s. Pedroza was Garza’s coach doing her career at South.
“To be here, to do this 27 years later, is very special,” Pedroza said. “She has been outstanding, very good player, also very good in the classroom. Complete package, definitely going to miss her.”
At the ceremony, Pedroza announced that Garza was awarded with academic all-state honors. Garza plans to study biology at St. Mary’s with the hopes of becoming a dentist.
“She worked very hard, since she was 4 years old and decided to play soccer,” Andres Garza said. “She hates to lose, very competitive, so I know she will do good at the next level. Overall, I am very proud of her, and whatever she gets, she deserves.”
On the field, Garza was a top goal scorer in the area and played on a club team that has sent girls to the next level. She was a freshman starter on a team that advanced to the regional final.
Garza enjoyed her four years at South.
“I was really close with all of the girls and coaches,” she said.
She was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a close-knit community.
“I want to thank all of my club coaches, all of the coaches here, especially the soccer coaches, the teachers here are amazing, everyone is supportive here,” she said. “Obviously, my parents, they are my biggest support system.”
