On to the next journey

Ready to embrace a new world of opportunities, the UTRGV senior student-athletes are proud of their achievements as Vaqueros.

Graduating next month, the seniors have worked hard not only on the court and field to make their dreams come true, but also in the classroom.

Volleyball outside hitter Bojana Mitrovic, who is graduating with a degree in mass communication, said being a student-athlete helped her grow as a person.

“It shapes you, it makes you responsible, it makes you accountable,” Mitrovic said. “It builds a character of you being a team player and you caring about other people.” 

Mitrovic, enrolled as a full-time student, achieved Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and ranks fifth in program history in kills, and 10th in blocks and block assists. Her plans are to keep playing and pursue her dream of becoming professional.

“I got, like, six offers to play professional, but unfortunately, I had to get shoulder surgery,” she said. “Once that is fixed, I will see where I stand as an athlete. I want to work a year and after that, I want to attend grad school.”

Vaquero basketball forward Mike Hoffman, also earning AD Honor Roll, leaves a few words for his teammates who are continuing school in the fall.

“Work hard no matter what situation you are in,” Hoffman said. “Whether you’re starting right now or coming off the bench, you’re gonna get an opportunity and you better be ready when that opportunity comes. Just work hard and listen to the coaches because they know what they’re talking about. … I can’t stress enough to work hard.”

He will graduate with a psychology degree and has big plans on his plate.

“I’m still trying to play basketball right now,” he said. “If that happens to not work out, then I’m gonna try to get into med school.”

The soon-to-be graduates are looking forward to their futures, but will never forget the many memories made with their teammates.

“We have had some really tough travels … hanging out in the Utah airport for eight hours wasn’t the most fun, but I had fun with these guys,” said baseball pitcher George Lamb, who is a pre-med biology major.

Lamb played four years with the program and earned AD Honor Roll. He also plans to apply to medical school in the future.

“Play like it’s your last day,” he said about his fellow teammates staying behind. “I’m getting down to the point in my season when it’s becoming surreal that I’m graduating. … Do everything that you can. When you think it doesn’t matter, it still matters.”

The athletes left a few words to their coaches and thanked them for the journey.

“I love my coaches,” Mitrovic said. “They’re very hardworking people and my message to them is to go beat [California State University,] Bakersfield next year. … Enjoy the process and believe in the girls. Try to have fun together with them because once all that is happening, it’s the way things work.”

Hoffman also showed his appreciation to the coaching staff.

“I want to thank them for giving me a chance, for giving me an opportunity to play and just teaching me as much as they can,” he said.

Lamb then gave his farewell to his teammates and coaches.

“Thank you. You guys have given me a good senior year,” he said.