Sports
Krenek signs with West Texas A&M
Saturday, 09 June 2012 by Chuck Kelly
Senior soccer and track athlete Emily Krenek signs a scholarship offer to attend and play for West Texas A&M University next fall. The three year letterman, 1st team All-District and soccer team captain was joined at the event by her parents, Tanna and Michael Krenek, and (left to right), Kaylee Krenek, sister, assistant soccer coach Alicia Stano, head track coach Denise Petter and Madison (Madi) Krenek, sister. Photo by Chuck KellyAn important member of Belton High school's soccer and track programs, Emily Krenek, has accepted a scholarship offer to attend West Texas A&M University next fall. She signed an NCAA Division II letter of intent before family and friends last week in Tiger Gym.
"I was playing select soccer and trying to decide whether to continue playing or not when I went to a tournament," she recalled. "There were some college coaches out there and I realized that I didn't want this to be my last year to play. I talked with my select coach, Simon Sanchez, and later the West Texas coach, Rod West, contacted me. I ended up visiting the campus and loved it and my future teammates."
Krenek will receive Academic and Athletic scholarships as a reward for her achievements at BHS.
"We're very proud of Emily. I hear the school is very, very good," her dad, Michael, said. "It seems like that's three states away but we have family out there, so that will give us another reason to visit often. I'm going up (to Canyon, TX) in the next couple of weeks for orientation."
Krenek's mother, Tanna, agreed: "I loved the campus. They have a brand new sports complex. I'm very excited and proud of her. She's going to pursue a dream of hers."
West Texas A&M is equally excited about their new recruit. Emily was a three year letterman in soccer, earning All-District Honorable Mention her sophomore season; 1st Team All-District, 2nd Team All-Area, All-Tournament at the elite I-10 Shootout and led the team in minutes played as a junior; and in her senior year, Krenek was team captain and again selected 1st Team All-District. In addition, outside of high school, she was a three-year team captain for her select club team.
Krenek was also a star track runner and jumper her senior year. As a high jumper, she won a gold medal at the Texas Relays and a silver at the District 12-5A meet this year. She then capped off her BHS career by competing in the Region II Meet.
"She was very important to our team, one of the best defenders that we had," commented assistant soccer coach Alicia Stano. "Emily started playing for me as a freshman. I love her and will definitely miss her."
Head track coach Denise Petter was asked by former head soccer coach Barry Elkins to introduce Emily. NCAA guidelines prevented the new head women's soccer coach at UMHB from attending.
"I'm not one that knows everything about soccer but I do know about athletes that put their time in and give everything they have to a sport and to their team," Petter told the large crowd. "By things coach Elkins told me about Emily last night and what I've witnessed in track, I can definitely appreciate everything that she's done. She is one of our top-notch athletes that will be successful, moving on to the next level as an A&M Buffalo."
Krenek's younger sisters, 15 year-old Kaylee and 13-year-old Madison (Madi), both athletes, looked on as she commented about leaving soon.
"Ive been chatting back and forth with my roommate-to-be. She is going to be on the soccer team, too," she said. "Canyon is about eight hours away but I have an aunt and uncle there, too....that's good. I will really miss Belton a lot. I have so many family and friends here but I'm ready to take my next step!"
