HARLINGEN — Harlingen South’s Annelle Rodriguez secured her future Friday afternoon by signing her letter of intent to play volleyball at Temple College next year.
“I feel relieved and excited; now I can look forward to the rest of my senior year,” Rodriguez said. “I’m excited and blessed to continue playing the sport I love at the next level.”
Rodriguez, who also runs track, spent two years on the varsity volleyball team and played a big role for first-year coach Anissa Lucio.
“My advice to Annelle would be to trust her athletic ability and her natural talents,” Lucio said. “I want her to enjoy it. She is a great player and she will learn more, and get better and she will enjoy the experience. It was amazing being able to coach her, it was an honor and I wish I had more time with her, but I know she has a bright future ahead of her.”
Rodriguez checked in a fine senior season amassing 225 kills, 156 blocks and 131 digs. She was also named to the East-West All-Star match this year and was named first team all-district.
“I reached out to their coaches and I went for a tryout, and they offered me a scholarship,” said Rodriguez about why she chose Temple College. “I liked the campus and the school is small so the teachers know who you are. I think the hardest thing will be being away from home and getting used to a new team, but I’m excited for the next opportunity.
“I dreamt of playing at the college level since I was in junior high. When I was a sophomore I realized I could play at the next. I continued to work hard and I got better and now it has all come full circle for me.”
