SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Tuesday afternoon, May 2, senior soccer standout Catherine Gaspar-Huerta of the Sylacauga Aggies chose to continue her career on the pitch with the Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) Bison.
SUSCC are introducing men’s and women’s soccer as new sports at the university next fall, and Gaspar-Huerta, a forward on the Aggies’ roster, decided to sign with the Bison over Andrew College.
“She’s been a huge asset for our team,” said Head Coach Nick Grogan. “We’re super proud of her.”
She decided to go with SUSCC over Andrew College due to its close proximity to home as well as the connection she’s made with the Bison coaching staff.
Gaspar-Huerta sustained a broken ankle midway through the year, ending her senior season with the Aggies. The injury, however, did not derail SUSCC Head Coach Mac Matthews’s interest in her abilities.
“[Coach] told her that he would be patient and wait for her to get ready,” Grogan explained, “but he enjoyed her knowledge of the game and the way she played the game. Coach Mac and her talk on a daily basis.”
Catherine was tearful when asked about her team pushing forward after she went down with the ankle injury. Although Gaspar-Huerta’s time with her Aggie teammates has been short, she built strong bonds with them in a short time span.
“I feel bad because I can’t play with them, but I feel good because I know they’re going to win,” said Gaspar-Huerta when asked about the Aggies’ chances going forward. “They’re still working hard, and I think they can do it.”
The Sylacauga women’s soccer team will host area rival Marbury in the Quarterfinals of the AHSAA Class 5A state playoffs at 6:30 p.m. Friday night, May 5.
Now, Catherine will continue her physical therapy to rehab her ankle and prepare to become an inaugural member of the SUSCC Bison women’s soccer team.
“I’m so happy and excited for the future!” Gaspar-Huerta exclaimed.
