BROWNSVILLE — Brownsville Pace Vikings star basketball player Cristian Guajardo has signed with Schreiner University in Kerrville to continue his playing career.
“I am blessed to have the opportunity to continue the sport I love,” he said. “It is going to give me a chance to reach a new level that I have yet to discover. I constantly have to better myself to perform at that level both academically and athletically.”
Ask coaches and the usual spectators, and Guajardo is considered one of the best basketball players in the Rio Grande Valley. Guajardo’s coach at Pace, Jose Ramirez, on multiple occasions called Guajardo one of the hardest-working players he ever coached.
Guajardo is Ramirez’s first player to sign with a college team.
“He was our leader for four years,” Ramirez said. “Even as a freshman he was our point guard, and as the point guard he initiated our offense. He stood out early because he was so passionate about the game and winning.”
Ramirez said he preaches the idea of hating to lose more than loving to win at Pace. That is something he said Guajardo exemplifies.
“Words cannot express that pride I feel for him,” said Cristian’s father, Dr. Gabriel Guajardo. “Especially, being able to work through hardship, dispel negative energy and to run his race. So extremely proud of him, and I look forward to many incredible moments.”
Guajardo’s work ethic also leaked off the court. The District 32-5A MVP is still on track to be the valedictorian of his class and will study biology, a key degree for pre-med students.
“Cristian has made us so proud,” said Cristian’s mother, Laura Guajardo. “His discipline and determination to excel as a person has been outstanding. We are so proud to be his parents.”
During all the hard work, Cristian Guajardo admitted to getting lost in it and not taking more time to appreciate the moments.
“Now it is all coming back to me, and I get to feel good about what I have done for the school,” he said. “The community around Pace kept me grounded. I always felt that I had support from my teammates, coaches and the fans. It was a great environment for me.
“I want to thank my coaches for trusting me and my parents for instilling that drive and passion. Without them I would not be here.”
