ACEVES TRANSFERS TO A&M-SAN ANTONIO

Luis Aceves has found the right soccer fit.

The Madisonville High School graduate has transferred from Southwestern Christian University (Okla.) t Texas A & M University-San Antonio, where he plays for the men's soccer team.

He earned a roster spot after attending a spring tryou The switch to a first-year program has gotten him back on the field.

He played 15 of 19 games, including three starts, for Southwestern Christian in 2019, when he was listed on the roster as a midfielder. He scored once. "It was pretty decent," said Aceves, one of 30 on the roster that year.

He was academically ineligible during the next season, he said, but once he was eligible again, the playing time was gone in a program that had grown.

By the 2020 season, the roster featured 29 players who received numbered jerseys and 20 more who were listed.

The Jaguars program is much different than the Southwestern Christian one, which he credited for his improved game coming into this season.

"I was playing at a much faster, higher intensity," Aceves said. "I improved a lot. I'm perfecting my touch on the ball. I've gotten better at my IQ and viewing the field."

He played in the first four games and even started. "He's pretty versatile," Texas A & M-San Antonio head coach Kyle Beard said. "He's a difference maker."

"For sure he works hard," the coach said. "He's a good player, very fast."

Aceves said he opened the season as a forward before moving to midfield wing when there was a need there. "I'm just trying to play anyplace where it helps the team," he said.

He has one year of eligibility after this season.

FOOTBALL

Former Mustang Armando Juarez is a freshman wide receiver for Sterling College (Kan.).

SOFTBALL

Previously at Madisonville High, Averie Sims is a junior catcher for Oklahoma State University.

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

Kaylee Morton had a season-high 24 set assists for East Texas Baptist University against LeTourneau. The sophomore out of Normangee High added seven digs and two service aces.

Temple College freshman Sidnie Smith had four digs and one ace against Our Lady of the Lake. She played for Madisonville.

Send updates about area athletes to Barbara Boxleitner at jdanddoc@gmail.com