Espericueta makes it official, signs with SMU

EDINBURG - When Felicia Espericueta won the Class 5A Region IV golf tournament in 2006 as an Edinburg North freshman, it figured she would have her choice of NCAA Division I programs to choose from when she became a senior.

Espericueta made her choice official Tuesday when she signed a national letter of intent to play golf at SMU, which she chose over finalists TCU and Texas. Espericueta said she was sold on SMU after an October visit to the campus.

"SMU is a little smaller school I guess, and I just felt like I fit in a little better," Espericueta said. "The coach is awesome. I love him. And the girls are so nice. The campus is beautiful. It's gorgeous. It was just a good fit for me."

SMU coach Todd Selders was just as enthusiastic about officially securing the two-time state qualifier as she was about joining the Lady Mustangs.

Selders said he had Espericueta on his radar early in her career but focused his recruiting efforts on her after watching her play a U.S. Girls Junior tournament in July. The ninth-year SMU coach has high expectations for his newest addition.

"I believe that she's going to become one of my players ever here, and that's saying a lot because I've had some really good ones come through the program," Selders said. "I think she has the heart and the determination to be a really good collegiate player."

Espericueta is the three-time defending District 31-5A champion and just recently won the Brownsville ISD tournament. Should she win district again Espericueta will be shooting for her third state tourney appearance, where she won a bronze medal last year. Then it'll be off to SMU where she plans on majoring in sports management.

"I think she'll come in here and definitely contend for a starting spot, if not Nos. 1, 2 or 3," Selders said. "That's not being negative toward the players I have now. That's how good she is."

Todd Mavreles is the West Valley Sports Editor for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4451.