Socorro runner Natalie Gomez signs with Texas Tech

Socorro High School runner Natalie Gomez signed her letter of intent Tuesday to continue her career at Texas Tech.

Gomez was joined by friends, teammates, and family at Socorro High School for a special signing ceremony Tuesday afternoon.

While there were many people to thank at the ceremony, Gomez saved special praise for her coach, Jeff Barros.

“So, the way I kind of see him now is kind of as my father-figure because he’s also made sacrifices for me and my team as well,” she said.

Gomez was named to the District 1-6A All-District Girls Cross Country First Team during the 2015-2016 school year. She was a runner-up at the District 1-6A meet with the city’s third fastest time in 2016-2017 and later finished in the top 20 at the Region 1-6A Cross Country meet.

During her senior year, Gomez finished fourth in the District 1-6A, 11th in the region, and top 50 in the state.

As for her decision to run at Texas Tech? She says she knew immediately it was where she wanted to be.

“When I went on my visit, I loved it. I fell in love with the school. I love the team,” said Gomez. “They’re really nice people. Everything was so welcoming there, and I think it was a really great fit for me.”