HARLINGEN — Harlingen High senior soccer player Joseph Garza will continue his playing career at Sul Ross State in Alpine.
“It means everything,” he said about his signing. “I am just glad that I got all of my family out here to come support me. I was nervous for the speech because I was preparing it for a week. I am just glad that I got it over with and glad everyone came out.”
Garza might have an opportunity to kick on the football team at Sul Ross, too. The senior midfielder and forward thanked Harlingen High soccer coach Joseph Johnson for helping him during the recruiting process.
Johnson said Garza was an important player on and off the pitch. Johnson said Garza’s leadership will be missed next season.
“He will be successful wherever he goes because of his work ethic,” Johnson said. “The talent is there, but there are kids that are more talented that do not make it because they do not want it like Joseph does.”
Garza said the beautiful campus and his brother transferring to the university to also play soccer made the process easier.
“I played high school with him for two years, and I get to play another two years with him in college. It is a blessing,” he said.
Garza’s parents, Irene and Julio Garza, were happy about that and proud of their son for his achievement.
“I am very proud and excited to have both of them playing together,” Julio Garza said. “It is a blessing. I am very happy for my kids.”
Irene Garza was sad and happy at the same time, but said her son will be in good hands.
“It is a blessing that Joseph will be able to play at the next level,” she said. “I am going to miss him.”
