Another Lady Warrior signs the page

Apodaca with her teammates and now former coach Michael Olguin as she signs to join Adams State.
Greg Byrd | El Defensor Chieftain

In 2022 Socorro Warriors senior Lola Apodaca is heading north to Alamosa, Colorado. The four year varsity player has officially signed on with Adams State University as the team’s newest Lady Grizzly.

“I am overjoyed right now,” Apodaca said. “This is a dream come true. I always wanted to go to this school. The atmosphere is beautiful, my coaches are nice, and my new teammates are great. I love everything about this and I am so excited.”

The formal ceremony took place at noon in the Socorro gymnasium as Apodaca put pen to paper. Her mother Juanita Apodaca was one of the first to show up for the event.

“There’s a lot of excitement throughout our family,” she said. “As a mom I’m a little nervous and I know I’m gonna miss her. I know she’s gonna be OK, but this has been her dream since she was about 10 years old. Playing at Adams State has been her goal and she made it. I could not be more proud.”

Juanita also gave credit to Desirae Armijo, one of Lola’s former coaches as well as an Adams State alumni. Armijo was also in attendance.

Athletic Director Damien Ocampo was on hand helping to set up decorations for the special occasion.

“Any player going on to the next level is huge,” he said. “I remember Lola when she was growing up. She played with my daughter and I even got the chance to coach her when they were really little. It’s great to have seen this girl grow up, mature and do all the great things she has accomplished so far. I’m proud and excited for her.”

Former teammates were excused from class to come in support of Apodaca. Her now former coach Michael Olguin took time out of his busy schedule to attend the celebration.

“This is great to see,” he said. “I knew she had all the talent in the world and once she applied it, which she did, that was when she stepped it up to the next level. It’s always great to have a hometown player finding success. This girl plays with a lot of fire. Goalies and defenders should expect a lot of headaches when they face her next year.”

In the 3A district, Apodaca far exceeded national statistical averages. Her 86 total points and 38 goals scored trumped other players as the Lady Warriors finished 18-4 with a playoff loss to St. Michael’s. Finding wins will be tough for Apodaca as she goes to a Lady Grizzly team that was 2-12-2 during the 2021 season and did not win a single home game.