Parkland dancer signs with UTEP

EL PASO, Texas – From Parkland High to NBA dreams. Makayla Santana has signed a commitment letter with the UTEP Dance Team.

Santana graduated with honors and received her associate's degree before her high school diploma.

"She wants to change the culture, starting with my daughter, who eventually wants to become a professional NBA dancer, to reach for a collegiate level and highlight a dancer's hard work, rigorous practice schedule and tenacity in the sport of dance," said Amanda Long-Santana, Makayla's mother.

Makayla is looking to major in political science with her goal of becoming a civil rights attorney.

Leslie Lopez, her coach, says she is hopeful Santana is up for the challenge. "This is something new for her. It's going to be a real big challenge to juggle life, school and especially dance.  We are very busy!”

Makayla says she is ready and is setting goals for herself and taking it one step at a time.