Apaches News
Sat, Jan 30, 2010 - [Women's Soccer]
(Courtesy Photo)
(Courtesy Photo)
SOCCER SIGNEE: Chapel Hill's Ashley Aparicio signed to play soccer for Tyler Junior College during a ceremony Friday at the Chapel Hill High School Library. On hand for the signing were (front row, from left) sister Diana Esquivel, dad Armando Aparicio, Ashley Aparicio and mom Guadalupe Aparicio; (second row) Chapel Hill athletic director Thomas Sitton, Women's Coordinator Linda Godwin, and soccer coach Tracy Steele.
     
By SHANE STARK
Staff Writer, Tyler Morning Telegraph

NEW CHAPEL HILL -- Having older cousins -- boys, mind you -- allowed Ashley Aparicio time to build on her soccer game.

It also helped in the development of her confidence.

"I took them," she said, smiling.

On Friday, the Chapel Hill senior signed a letter of intent to take her soccer talents to Tyler Junior College. Remaining close to home will allow her soccer-crazed family to continue watching her grow.

"I don't live that far from TJC, and all of my family is here and they all support me," said Aparicio, a midfielder. "I've been playing since I was four, and my parents have always gone to all my games. It's just really exciting that way."

TJC, which has competed in women's soccer for only two years, captured the NJCAA Division I national championship last fall. The Apache Ladies completed their sharp incline in the pitch in unbeaten fashion, finishing the season 19-0-1.

Such success has caught the attention of many people in the soccer world, including Aparicio's.

"Hearing about their soccer program, I thought it was a really good opportunity to go to TJC," said Aparicio, who missed her junior year with an ACL injury after receiving District 17-4A's Sophomore of the Year award in 2008. "They work really hard and they won nationals, and that really excited me. I wanted to be a part of something like that, too."

Added Chapel Hill coach Tracy Steele, who coached Aparicio in soccer as a freshman and sophomore: "She's an outstanding player. She's one of those players, athletes, girl or boy that you see immediately and you know that they're going to play for a really long time because they have a lot of talent and the love for the game."