WILLIAMS, CA (MPG) – Growing up, Williams High School senior Juan Velazquez dreamed of one day playing college soccer, but a broken ankle he suffered during track season changed his plans.
And while this seemingly could have ended his chance of being a collegiate athlete, such was not the case, because as the old adage goes, when “one door closes, another opens.”
That new opportunity presented itself last week when he signed on to handle the kicking and punting duties for Simpson University in the Red Hawks’ inaugural season.
Joining Velazquez, his mother Maria Rivas, and a large group of family members at the signing ceremony was Simpson quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator Garrett Sandow, who explained what the Simpson staff saw in its newest signee.
“At Simpson, we are looking to build our program with hard-working, high-character, high-GPA guys that come from the surrounding areas. Juan checks all those boxes. Given this is our first season, he also has the chance to put his stamp on the record book.”
For his part, Velazquez, who will study kinesiology, said at first, he wasn’t sure what to expect, but a visit to the school, whose mission statement describes it as a “Christ-centered learning community,” sealed the deal for him.
“I fell in love with the campus and really liked that it is a Christian school,” Velazquez said. “I went to one of the services and felt truly blessed.”
Still, with the excitement that the future holds for Velazquez, the moment was somewhat bittersweet, given that he was not able to share it with his father, Juan, who passed away due to complications from COVID.
Velazquez did, however, express gratitude to his family and friends that have provided a strong support system.
“First, I want to thank my mom for everything she has done and my dad for taking me to practice and getting me into sports,” said Velazquez. “But I also want to thank my best friend Jesse Velazquez for being there for me as well.”
So, next fall, when the Simpson football team kicks off for the first time ever, Velazquez will have the distinction of being the first player in school history to do so.