NCAA action lies just around the corner

Athletics Director Debbie Snell announced that after two years of provisional NCAA membership, the university will now participate as an active member of the NCAA Division II."We are very excited about the announcement from the NCAA Membership Services, and we want to thank everyone who worked so hard to get us to this point," Snell said.With soccer and volleyball seasons approaching, athletes and coaches are also excited.Being active members of the NCAA "has provided an extra boost for the girls," said Anna Girdwood, Head Coach for the women's soccer team.Girdwood looks forward a better season this year, and her team's goal is to win 15 out of 20 games."The goal is officially written on paper, but it's the girls' feet that have to do the talking," said Girdwood.Maxine Caballero, a senior soccer player, commends the entire athletic department for this accomplishment."This could not have been done without the athletic department's dedication," said Caballero.Teammate and freshmen Ale Avila added, "Being active members gives us the extra push to work even harder and possibly overcome past generations' accomplishments."The women's team starts NCAA action on Aug. 28 as they hit the road and play against Our Lady of the Lake in San Antonio.The men's soccer team will play their first regular game versus Missouri Southern at Oklahoma on Aug. 29.Junior standout Adeyemi Gill feels the NCAA clearance is "a milestone for the institution and the athletic program." Gill also believes this step will allow the school's athletes to perform at a higher level."I would like nothing more than to see TAMIU acknowledged as having an upper echelon sports program," said Gill.The women's volleyball team is also gearing up for a new season. After being picked fourth in the Heartland Conference Pre-season Poll, the women hope to exceed the conferences' expectations. The team advanced to the Conference Tournament last year where they finished second.Now, they have the opportunity to win the tournament and advance to the national tournament."My teammates and I are extremely excited to be a recognized member of NCAA because we can officially go to playoffs," said Madison Mojica, a senior on the team. Their first game is on Aug. 29 versus Abilene Christian. The women will also be hosting a Border Olympics Tournament on Sept. 5 and 6.As active members of NCAA, all intercollegiate teams are looking forward to championships."We are all here to compete and to win," said Gill.