Barroso looking ahead to UTPA career

MERCEDES — If there is one thing that always stands out with Deandra Barroso, it’s her big smile.

Around her family, friends and coaches, Barroso always seems to find a way to brighten the room despite what problems may occur in her sports career or personal life. On Tuesday, those closest to the senior got to honor one of Mercedes’ best female athletes as she officially signed a letter of intent to run track and field for the University of Texas-Pan American.

Barroso was in great spirits as she inked her way into the Division I school. UTPA was always on the radar for new Bronc.

“Since I was younger, I liked the campus,” she said. “That was my choice all along at least to start.”

During the ceremony were two big screens displaying a slide show of Barroso running during her senior year. It was certainly quite a show displayed. Barroso’s career was a brilliant one despite some downfalls with injuries. But it had a happy ending capped by an appearance in the Class 4A UIL State Track and Field Championships.

“Looking at all the pictures, I realized I’m done, it’s over,” Barroso said.

If it wasn’t for hamstring problems, Barroso very well could’ve done it all four years. In her freshman year, Barroso made a big splash by reaching the state level in the long jump before the hamstring injuries came into play in her sophomore and junior seasons. The hamstring problem reoccurred this year forcing her to sit out a lot early in the season.

After intense therapy and clearance from her doctor, Barroso bounced back and won the district and regional championships before ending eighth overall in the long jump at state.

“There we were going through intense therapy a few weeks before district and one month later she was in state,” Mercedes track a field coach Robert Robledo said. “She showed willingness and determination to succeed.”

Despite nursing through her injuries, Barroso managed to set a number of school records and was among the best hurdlers in the Valley. She was also a member of the 400 and 800 relays, which competed at regionals in San Antonio this season.  

“I had a good run,” Barroso said. “I’m proud of my accomplishments in my four years here.”

Barroso intends to compete in the long jump and 400 hurdles at UTPA. If there is enough cooperation from her hamstrings, she will be a nice addition to the Lady Broncs program, which is now trying to build a strong foundation.

“My coaches prepared me for track and my parents prepared me for society,” Barroso said. “I’ll be ready.”