Ochoa sisters headed to Henderson State to play volleyball

Laura Ochoa is an MVP-caliber player in volleyball and a state qualifier in track and field, but more importantly, she's a loyal sister.

After being named the 32-5A All-District and All-Metro MVP for the 32-5A champion Rivera Lady Raiders last fall, Ochoa, a 6-foot senior middle blocker, was contacted by more than 50 colleges and universities interested in her volleyball skills.

Ochoa, who earlier this month placed sixth in the Class 5A discus at the UIL state track meet in Austin, was patient in her search for a college. She eventually decided upon Henderson State in Arkadelphia, Ark., an NCAA Division II school, because it offered herself and her sister Crystal an opportunity to play on the Lady Reddies team.

Crystal, a 5-foot-8 senior, was a volleyball standout in her own right for the Lady Raiders as she earned first-team all-district honors last fall.

The Ochoa sisters were recognized for signing with Henderson State at a ceremony at Rivera on Monday afternoon.

"I wanted to go somewhere where I could continue playing on the same team with my sister because she's my best friend," Laura said. "I knew it might have to be a Division II school. We've always been there for each other. I'm so happy now because we're both going to the same school."

Laura wants to become a lawyer, while Crystal plans to study forensic science.

The Ochoa sisters will be joining a Henderson State squad that advanced to the Gulf South Conference Tournament semifinals last November before ending the season with a 22-10 record.

Rivera volleyball coach Elizabeth Avelar-Guerra said Henderson State will be getting a pair of hard-working, dedicated and talented athletes.

"I'm really excited for them, especially because they're getting to go over there together," she said. "They're both really good athletes and they'll be a good asset for the team. It will be a great adventure for them. I wish them the best, and I know they'll do well."

Added Rivera assistant volleyball and track coach Richard Guerra: "It's been great working with them on a day-to-day basis with volleyball in the fall and track in the spring. They have a great work ethic. We've seen them develop from young athletes to seniors who were very dominant at their positions, especially in volleyball. It's been a pleasure to coach them." 

Rivera athletic coordinator Jim Helms added his thoughts regarding the Ochoa sisters, saying, "very deserving young ladies."

Crystal said the best thing about going to college will be having her sister close by in volleyball and in adjusting to life after Rivera.

"It will be awesome," Crystal said. "It's great for me because I'll be on the same team with my sister. When we're on the same team, we communicate better and the chemistry just flows better. For me, family is everything, so it's great that we can all go up there together."

The Ochoa sisters' mother, who also is named Laura Ochoa, said she plans to move to Arkadelphia, too.

"I'm very proud of them," the single mother said. "They're very good athletes, good students and good daughters. Laura wouldn't sign until she had a solid commitment from a school that her sister could go, too, so going over there (Henderson State) is a big plus.

"They went there for a visit and they felt they received a very good welcome," she added. "When they came back, they were both very happy. Now I'm happy because I'm going over there, too."

The Ochoa family's move to Arkansas is scheduled for early August.

Before Laura can focus exclusively on playing volleyball at the college level, she has another important challenge ahead of her. She has been selected to play on the Mexican national team this summer.

"They've asked me to train and play with them, so I'm going to Baja California," she said. "It's an honor, honestly, and it's a dream come true when you're asked to play on a national team."