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Broncos’ girls’ soccer players Hannah Bueler and Desariee Gorbea along with football player Sergio Hernandez signed National Letters of Intent last month to continue their education and athletic careers at Scottsdale Community College.
Bueler, a goalkeeper, chose to play for the Fighting Artichokes over some other schools that offered her, including some that offered a volleyball scholarship.
“For me, it was a better fit,” Bueler said about attending SCC. “At SCC I loved the coaching staff, their philosophy and their drive. They have been to nationals and I loved that, so it was just a better fit for me.”
Bueler plans to study Exercise Sciences and wants to work as a physical therapist.
Gorbea, an All-Section midfielder, will be joining her Poston Butte teammate at SCC.
“I liked what SCC had to offer,” Gorbea told the Ledger. “Their soccer program is good and the coaching staff wanted me there and will push me. They showed me how they could make me a better player and benefit my future.”
Broncos’ girls’ soccer head coach Keith Johnson was asked what each player does well that will translate to the next level.
“Desi has been a great team leader by example and during a game can really elevate the team’s play and keep it motivated,” responded Johnson, the Section III Coach of the Year. “Hannah has been our rock. She’s kept the team focused before and after the game as well as during practices.”
What will Johnson miss most about the duo?
“Their work ethic, being positive, and know what it takes to win games,” he answered. “Their example permeates throughout the team and that’ll be missed.”
Lt to Rt: Hannah Bueler, Keith Johnson, Desariee Gorbea, Sergio Hernandez, and Dain Thompson.
Hernandez, an All-Section safety and perhaps one of the state’s top college prospects, said his decision to play at SCC what based on his family.
“It’s closer to home and being close with my father, who is ill, I felt like it was a better decision for me and my family as a whole,” said Hernandez, who will study either accounting or criminal justice. “It also gives me a better opportunity to eventually play Division I football somewhere.”
At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Hernandez has the size that college coaches dream about, especially at his position. That alone makes him almost a can’t miss prospect at the next level, but it’s more than just his size that will make him successful at SCC.
“For the position he plays, he is a big safety,” Poston Butte assistant coach Dain Thompson said. “He can be an impact player right away because of his size and physicality. He’s also going to bring a great presence in the locker and on the field because he’s a great teammate.”
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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