The Rio Hondo College women’s soccer team had their annual sophomore farewell and signing party, May 4, as the Lady Roadrunners said their goodbyes while sharing their experience playing for Rio Hondo as well as giving advice to the incoming group of student-athletes. Of those sophomores, Melissa Gonzales, Gracie Lopez, Erika Lizarraga, Zaria Hernandez, Daisy Gallegos and Jenny Garcia will all be going on to continue playing soccer at the next level, as these opportunities will now help pave their way into a new path towards furthering their educational goals.

Gonzales will be transferring to New Mexico Highlands University in the fall where she plans to obtain a BA in Child Development while playing soccer for the Cowgirls.

When asked how she felt about the next chapter of her life, Gonzales said “I’m very excited to continue playing soccer and excelling in the sport that I love. I came to Rio Hondo to play soccer, and I was very determined to play at the next level. The reason why was to help pay for my education, and that’s why a lot of athletes play sports during college: it helps pay for tuition.”

Gonzales is thankful she was able to accomplish her goal at Rio and looks forward to playing soccer in New Mexico.

Lopez is also heading to New Mexico this fall, where she will join teammate Gonzales at Highlands University, and said “I feel like it’s only going to make our friendship stronger,” as she is excited to be reunited with a familiar face as they will both be starting fresh together at a new school. “I would like to thank my family, coaches and everyone who has supported me and believed in me. Rio has prepared me for my future academics and athletics, and I can’t wait to start this new part of my life. I am beyond blessed and somewhat at a loss of words, but it makes me really happy seeing my parents proud at what I’ve been able to accomplish” said Lopez, as she feels speechless to have the opportunity to continue playing the sport that she loves.

Meanwhile, Lizarraga will be staying in California and is transferring to Cal State University, Los Angeles where she will be playing Division 2 soccer this fall for the Gold Eagles while pursuing a BA in Nursing. Originally lined up to go to a four-year university right out of Cerritos High School, Lizarraga opted to go to Rio Hondo instead, and said she didn’t regret that decision at all, and looked forward to playing at CSULA where she received a full ride. “That was one of my goals from the beginning, to stay in California. I had an opportunity to go out of state but California is California, it’s beautiful and I wanted to stay here so I’m pretty happy,” said Lizarraga in regards to being to able to stay local.