By David Kirvin.

    A ceremony took place on Nov. 8 to celebrate three senior athletes who will play sports at the next level in college.

Marissa Cardenas signed to play softball for McMurry University, Amyah Starks will continue playing softball at Abilene Christian University, and dual-sport athlete Marin Murray will play soccer and run track for Lubbock Christian University.

“I’m so excited, it’s always been my dream to be a softball player, to play in college and play the sport I love,” Cardenas said. “I’m ready to go out there to make friends, be out of my shell and get better.”

After many ups and downs to get where she is now, Cardenas faced a long process to get recognized for her hard work.

“There was a time when I was at my lowest where I thought I was about to give up, but my parents taught me to never give up, Cardenas said. “They kept pushing me to follow my dream, I made it and I got noticed and I am here where I am now.”

After the long, heavy process to get where she is now, Cardenas feels relieved and proud for not giving up hope and now to have her college plans finalized.

“I feel accomplished because of all of the hard work and dedication of going to school, and putting in all the hard work behind closed doors that no one else sees,” Cardenas said.

Starks, who will play softball for Abilene Christian University, had an early start, starting softball at eight years old.

“I’ve played softball since I was eight-years-old, but also I started playing my sophomore year of high school and then from there I just kept playing softball for a travel team during the summer,” Starks said.

Softball is special for Starks and has always been something close to her

“My mom inspired me to play and I played because it builds characteristics not only on the field, but off the field,” Starks said.

While Murray plays soccer and runs for Lubbock Christian University, she is ready to take on the challenge and after playing for a long time.

“I have played soccer since I was three or four, so 15 years now, and then I started running track in middle school in the seventh grade, so with this upcoming track season it will be my sixth year,” Murray said.

Just like the other athletes, Murray also faced a long process to get where she wanted to be.

“I got recruited for soccer first, and I just decided to run track after the fact,” Murray said. “The coaches came and watched me play in the spring, visited the school in September which is when they offered me a scholarship and then I signed in November.”