HARLINGEN — Harlingen High Lady Cardinals senior defender CJ Escamilla will continue her playing career next season after agreeing to play with Wiley College last week.
“I am really excited. Nervous, but excited,” she said. “I am happy that I get to play soccer again.”
The senior’s time at Harlingen High was marred by multiple knee injuries in both knees. The defender dealt with ACL issues as well as meniscus problems that sidelined her at times the past couple of seasons.
“I just heard a pop,” she said about her latest injury. Escamilla said Wiley is aware of the injuries and will be there for her during the rehab and recovery process.
Escamilla’s injuries inspired her to take an interest in the treatment process.
“I want to be a physical therapist because of all the injuries that I have been through,” she said, joking.
The future Wiley athlete thanked her mother and coaches for her time with the Cardinals. She added her time at Harlingen High was really fun and enjoyable.
“It always exciting to see these girls achieve so much and move on to the next level,” Harlingen High coach Debra Galvan said. “CJ is one of those players we wanted to see move on to the next level. Because of her injuries, she was not able to compete as much. We knew she still had it in her and (are) glad that she took it.”
When Escamilla was on the pitch she had an immense impact, Galvan said. Even after the injuries, the senior would serve as a coach for the team, providing instructions to the girls in the defense.
“The games she was able to play with us, she stepped up big,” Galvan said. “Especially a game against South. She was slowly getting back from physical therapy, and she was able to keep us ahead in that game. I am just really happy that she gets to compete at the next level.”
Multiple Rio Grande Valley soccer players have signed with Wiley College. The school is located in Marshall and is resurrecting its dormant soccer program.
