The Rio Hondo Volleyball team was proud to hold letter of intent signings for players Andrea Velasco and Megan Ward on April 16.

As friends and family looked on, sophomores Velasco and Ward were ecstatic to be committing to new universities for their performance on the court and in the classroom.

Velasco will be transferring to Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York where she will be playing as a Libero rather than outside hitter as she did here at Rio Hondo. She first came in contact with the Mercy College coach back in early December where he was impressed by Velasco’s work ethic, leadership skills, and willingness to learn different aspects of the game.

Velasco managed to earn two All-Foothill Conference Honors during her tenure at Rio Hondo College and also shined at the sophomore showcase leading the entire foothill conference in hitting and digs.

Academically, Velasco’s grades also reflect the well-round student athlete she is where she maintained a 3.5 GPA as she eventually plans to major in Health Science.

“I am really excited but I am also shocked that it’s happening right now,” said Velasco when asked what her feelings were in a moment like this.

Velasco is very thankful for her current and past coaches for molding her into the player that she is today.

Ward will be moving to Wilmington University in Newcastle, Delaware where she will remain in her natural setter position. Her abilities on the court and unconventional height for her position also intrigued the Wilmington University coach.

Her time here at Rio Hondo was well spent as her efforts resulted in a 2014 All-Foothill Conference Honor. Ward’s outing at the California Community College Athletic Association Women’s Volleyball Sophomore Showcase also left a lasting impression where she led the Foothill Conference in setting assists and serving aces.

Along with being a profound athlete, Ward is also excels in the classroom where she maintained a 3.5 GPA as well. She gives a lot of praise to her parent for always pushing her and being there whenever she is in need.

Head Coach Teddi Esko and the rest of the coaching staff couldn’t be any happier knowing their pupils are moving on to the next level.

“It’s Priceless,” explained Esko. “This is the best part of my job to see my athletes who have been dedicated to my program and have worked so hard to use this program as a stepping-stone to further their education.”

Coach Esko also adds that this signing event is a huge highlight for this Volleyball program and also sets a good example for the rest of the team.

Both Velasco and Ward are thrilled to begin their new journey on the east coast that will provide them with a new and different environment for them to experience.