Seguin will be the destination for Hays Lady Rebel soccer player Mariah Acosta next fall after signing her letter of intent to continue her playing career. On Feb. 6, Acosta signed on to join the Texas Lutheran University women's soccer team, a Division III program that competes in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC). Acosta, who will major in nursing at TLU, was joined by parents Rob Acosta and Crystal Cardenas, as well as numerous family members, friends and teammates. Also joining in on the signing was current Lady Rebel soccer coach Mario Bellver, assistant coach Gaston Romero and many of Acosta's club soccer coaches.
Magnolia-state bound is the motto for Hays Lady Rebel soccer player Izel Gaitan after she signed her letter of intent Feb. 5 to play at the next level. Gaitan signed on to continue her career at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi. Joining Gaitan at the signing were parents Roy and Alice Gaitan, numerous family and friends, as well as current Hays Rebel head girls soccer coach Mario Bellver, assistant coaches Gaston Romero and Blair Bodelson and former girls soccer coach Brent Holcomb. Belhaven is a Division II university and competes in the American Southwest Conference.
After a stellar football career at Hays High, which included a memorable game-winning blocked extra point against Dripping Springs in September 2018, Rebel senior tight end Alex Harkey will take his talents to the Piney Woods. On Feb. 5, Harkey signed his letter of intent to continue his football playing career at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas. Taking in the ceremony was his mother Renee Harkey, as well as grandfather Gene Harkey and many more friends and family. In late December, Harkey was a first team tight end on the 25-6A All District list. Harkey will join the TJC Apache football team which competes in the Southwest Junior College Conference in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The Hays Rebel football program is coached by Les Goad.
The Texas Coastal Bend is where Lehman Lobo standout offensive lineman Gilbert Partida will be playing football next season as he officially signed on to continue his career at the collegiate level. On Feb. 5, Partida signed his letter of intent to play at Texas A&M University at Kingsville in a ceremony held on National Signing Day. Joining him were sisters Angelina and Tina Partida as well as numerous family and friends. The Partida family also honored the memory of their mother, Angela, who passed away during Gilbert's time in high school, with a bouquet of flowers that was placed on a symbolic chair. Partida, a three-year letter winner at Lehman, earned numerous accolades and achievements including his selection to play in the Blue-Gray All-American football game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington in December. A&M Kingsville, an NCAA Division II school, competes in the Lone Star Conference. The Lehman High football program is coached by Bruce Salmon.
