Angelica Sandoval
While it is not entirely uncommon for students to be athletically and academically talented, these skills typically take years to develop. Yet, it was only four years ago that Angelica Sandoval arrived from Mexico speaking no English and never having played soccer.
Today, Angelica earned an associate’s degree from Richland with a 4.0 GPA and transferred her credits to Dallas Baptist University, where she was offered a full scholarship after leading the Lady Thunderducks to a National Junior College Athletic Association Soccer National Championship in 2005.
To acquire and master a second language is difficult, but imagine also developing all new athletic skills to the point of earning national recognition for your achievement, all while adjusting to life in a new country.
Angelica said a friend encouraged her to play soccer. “Soccer is big in Mexico, but mostly it’s a man’s game,” she said. “I never played as a little girl or anything. I was willing to try it because I thought it would be fun. I never thought I would play at this level.”
Angelica dedicated as much time to soccer as to academics, and she excelled at both. This motivation has helped her in the classroom and on the field. Angelica was an active member of Richland’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community college students, and of Richland’s Connections Club.
The lessons that Angelica learned on and off the field are an asset to her as she pursues a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Dallas Baptist University.
Angelica’s work ethic, bilingual skills, positive outlook and intelligence make her a model athlete, student and global citizen.