By Jeff Odom
Laker/Lutz News Correspondent
Steinbrenner senior Cici Gonzalez wanted to make the moment last forever.
After school athletic director Eddie Henderson told her to sign her letter of intent, Gonzalez opened the door into her future at University of Tampa where she will continue her soccer career.
“This is amazing, it feels like all my hard work paid off and everything I’ve ever wanted has finally come true,” said Gonzalez, who tallied 91 goals during her high school career.
She joined teammate Taylor Valley, who signed with Armstrong Atlantic State University, along with football players Zack Jones and Zack Boryla, who signed with Stetson University on Feb. 1 — National Signing Day.
Jones was a member of the Warriors’ inaugural football team in 2009, and will get the opportunity to build something new again with Stetson, which restarts its football program after a 56-year hiatus.
“It just feels good to think about the work I put in and it’s all paying off,” Jones said. He then added, “I like (starting a new program), because every catch you get is a new record, every yard you make is a new record, so it’s cool knowing you build a program from the feet up.”
Boryla, who missed more than half the season with injuries, said just getting a look from a major university was a blessing.
“I just wanted to prove that the injury didn’t affect me and that I’m still who I am and I can still play at the next level,” Boryla said.
Valley, who scored 13 goals during Steinbrenner’s bid to repeat as state champions this year, felt she made the right choice and wants to keep Armstrong atop the Division II soccer poll.
“It seems like it’s been so long, finding the college and going on visits. … Now it’s kind of like relief, I’m so happy and I know I made the right decision,” said Valley.
First-year Steinbrenner girls soccer coach Robert Woodard said it’ll be tough replacing both Gonzalez and Valley.
“I’m really happy for them because they’re both great players, and they really made the transition for me a lot easier this year,” Woodard said. He then added, “On the other hand, I have to replace them. That’s going to be a challenge to have somebody step up and fill those shoes. That’s going to be a big task.”
Gonzalez ranks the signing right up there with the Warriors’ state title last year.
“They’re definitely equal in accomplishments,” Gonzalez said. “One was kind of a team thing and now it’s a personal reward, so it’s equally amazing to me.”
