Franklin guard Katia Gallegos signs with UTEP basketball

For many star athletes, picking which college you want to play for is not an easy decision.

But for Franklin guard Katia Gallegos, there was no doubt she was headed to UTEP once they made her an offer.

“Well, actually, it was not that hard. I had my mind on this school for a long time,” she said. “I was really hoping I would get an offer here to play at my hometown school and represent El Paso. And I’m just really excited they got to see me.”

The future Miner signed her letter of intent Friday in an emotional ceremony at the Franklin High School library.

Gallegos has helped the Cougars maintain their status as a district power and also spent time playing international youth basketball with Mexico’s national team.

Now, she’s looking forward to helping out her hometown university and head coach Kevin Baker, who is currently in his second season with the Miners.

“The first year he was here he made a big impact,” she said. “He really lifted up the girls this year, and he’s a really good coach. He really wants to win and has a good history with other schools.”

She added that she’s going to work hard to potentially earn a starting spot or help UTEP solidify its bench her freshman season.

And she knows she’ll have plenty of support in the stands once she steps on the floor of the Don Haskins Center.

“I’m really excited because I know my parents will be here to support us, my coaches, my friends and family, and my teammates,” she said.