Coronado outside hitter Abigail Padilla signs with UTEP

Coronado outside hitter Abigail “Abby” Padilla is getting a chance to live out her dream of playing volleyball at the Division I level.

Padilla officially signed with UTEP Thursday afternoon in a ceremony at the school.

“So, I’ve always wanted to play at the Division I level, and I’ve always had my heart set on it,” she said. “And ever since I started playing club, I told myself I wanted to do Division I. And why not do it here in El Paso?”

Padilla is the latest in a string of local players to sign with the Miners.

Earlier this week Franklin’s Sophia Chacon inked her letter of intent to play for UTEP. And back in late April, Chapin’s Jessica Landeros also picked UTEP as her college destination.

Padilla helped lead a powerhouse Coronado team to a 36-7 record this past season and a spot in the 6A Sweet 16 after three wins in the playoffs.

While she is anxious to play in college, she added that she’ll definitely miss her time with the Thundrerbirds.

“Those are moments I’ll never forget,” said Padilla. “And especially this most recent year, my senior year, we made it to regionals. And it was a great game, a great match.”