EL PASO, TX -- The daughter of Master Sgt. Johnny Carrasco, operations non-commissioned officer with 5th Armored Brigade, Division West, recently received a volleyball scholarship to the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M.
Mariessa Carrasco, senior volleyball player at Captain John L. Chapin High School, signed her letter in the library at Chapin High, with many of her high school teammates, classmates, family and friends attending.
Despite offers to play in other parts of Texas and the country, her decision to go with UNM gives her family and friends an opportunity to see her play.
"I chose UNM because I felt as though I was at home," said Mariessa. "The team is very family-oriented and I felt comfortable with the players, coaches and my surroundings."
The transition from high school to college is a difficult process, but for Mariessa, her upbringing as a military child has prepared her for that moment.
"Being a military child and moving around a lot throughout my life, transitioning to different places and meeting new people is just another experience of life," she said. "The military life has made me a more well-rounded person."
As Carla Gonzalez, principal at Chapin High School, and Joe Morales, Chapin High School volleyball coach, gave remarks about the team's accomplishments along with Mariessa's achievements, the library filled with cheers.
"Mariessa tormented and terrorized the competition on and off the court," said Gonzalez.
Mariessa's coach and principal heaped praise upon her, but just as was done throughout her volleyball career at Chapin High, she blocked and killed it deflecting all of the honor and adulation to her teammates.
"I love you girls," Mariessa said to her teammates. "Without you guys, this wouldn't be possible."
Carrasco finished her the season with 428 kills and 104 total blocks. She recorded 128 blocks as a junior which set the Chapin High School record. She was also selected as the District 1-4A Most Valuable Player.
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