Trio of Rattlers partake in National Signing Day

Wednesday marked the realization of a dream for a few San Marcos athletes, as three seniors signed letters of intent as part of National Signing Day.

Two of the signees came from the football team. Therrance Soto, the Rattlers’ starting safety and leader in tackles, committed to Texas Lutheran University. Mark Velasquez, a two-year letterman and starting offensive lineman for the Rattlers, signed with Hardin-Simmons University.

“I’ve always told myself ‘I only need one chance.’ And (TLU) was my one, so I just took my opportunity,” Soto said. “It’s pretty special. I’m still kind of shook. It’s kind of indescribable for me. I honestly had some butterflies coming in today.”

“I’ve worked very hard for it,” Velasquez said. “It means a lot to me. It means, finally, all the work I’ve done has paid off. But there’s still more to come.”

The pair’s coaches noted their commitment to the classroom as a big reason for their success.

“The thing about Mark is he had a dream and he had a goal. And he let nothing stop him,” head coach Mark Soto said. “As far as Therrance goes, Therrance is just an overachiever. He’s always been an overachiever … He’s just a great kid. Both of those kids are high-character kids with great grades and they understand what it takes to be successful.”

The third student-athlete to sign was Celie Contreras, the starting libero for the Lady Rattlers the past three seasons and all-time career digs leader for the school. Contreras will also attend TLU in the fall.

“It means a lot because I’ve put in years and years of work and all the time I’ve put in with classes,” Contreras said. “It’s just a big accomplishment because I’ve found my place and I know where I’m going to go and I love it. I’m excited.”

“It’s just a really special day,” head coach Michelle Moreno said. “I know she’s been working on this for a long time … So I’m really happy for her, I’m excited that her dream is coming true. I know she’s going to do great at TLU.”