On Wednesday, a signing ceremony was held at Warren Gym for 10 Brownwood Lion and Lady Lion seniors who will continue their athletic and academic careers collegiately.

Ataleigh Constancio is one of two Brownwood Lady Lions, joining teammate Kennedi Johnson, who opted to stay close to home and play soccer for Howard Payne University.

“It feels really good,” Constancio said of continuing her athletic career at the next level. “It’s been both our of dreams for a really long time. High school soccer, select soccer, all that has helped us prepare to go play college soccer.”

Constancio was named Midfield MVP, earned the co-Silver Boot award for most assists in district with 12, and was a first-team all-District 5-4A selection while helping the Lady Lions to a 16-6-1 overall record and the program’s 14th straight bi-district championship.

Regarding the decision to play for the Lady Jackets, Constancio said, “Howard Payne feels like a home away from home. We’re still in Brownwood, but it’s like being a completely different place, while still being near our families.”

Lady Lions head soccer coach Alexis Mosqueda said of Constancio and Johnson, “Ever since I’ve known them they’ve been attached at the hip so it only makes sense that they’re going to the same school to play the same sport and live in the same dorm room. That’s who they are and I wouldn’t want it any other way. They’ve lead this program so well for the three years I’ve been here.

“Everyone that is sitting at this table has done extra. They don’t just go to high school practice they go to club practice, they go to tournaments every single weekend, this is what they’ve dedicated their lives to and what their parents have dedicated their lives to. The abilities that God gives you are a gift to you, and what you do with them is your gift back to God. They have done that to the best of their abilities in everything they do. I’m so proud I got to love them and coach them and I can’t wait to watch them play at HPU.”

Constancio said the bonds with her teammates are among her most treasured memories as a Lady Lion.

“We’re going to miss all these girls, our relationships with everyone and all the memories,” Constancio said.