Ariena Vega signs with U of Saint Katherine

Shafter High senior Ariana Vega signed a scholarship agreement with the University of Saint Katherine last week at a signing ceremony at Shafter High School. Vega, who was the South Sequoia League MVP, will continue her playing career with the Lady Firebirds basketball program.

Head Coach Shawn Pennel said that he will be sorry to see Vega go, but he knows that she will make Shafter High proud. "Ari has been a huge part of the Lady Generals basketball program for the last four years. We are not just losing a great basketball player, we are also losing a fantastic individual," commented Pennel. "She will be missed by everyone, but I can't wait to see what the future holds for Ari."

Ariana will major in kinesiology, with sports science in mind. "I want to eventually be a sports psychologist. I also want to continue playing basketball to see where it will take me."

Vega grew up in a basketball household, with siblings paying as she grew up. She started playing when she was very young, playing in the Recreation Department programs. She excelled in the sport and progressed into being a member of a traveling tournament team. She then starred on the Lady Generals for Shafter High School, being a leader on the court and off.

Vega said that she loves basketball because of the challenge of it and the camaraderie you get from being a part of a team. Vega won numerous tournament MVP awards, as well as being an All SSL selection and MVP of the league.

University of Saint Katherine in located in San Marcos, near San Diego. They compete in the NAIA and have been ranked nationally in the past. Vega said that she will probably be seeing time as a forward on the Lady Firebirds.