Anton senior, Alyssa Mancias signed her letter of intent last Monday morning to continue her basketball and academic career at Wayland Baptist University, where she will play for the Flying Queens.
“ It feels unreal being signed with WBU knowing I’m heading toward playing college basketball,” Mancias said. “It’s like my future is finally starting to look exactly how I dreamed it would.”
Mancias stated, “It has been a goal of mine to play college basketball for as long as I can remember.”
Mancias stared for the Anton Lady Dawgs for four years, helping them to three play-off appearances in the last four years. Mancias was a first-team All-District selection all four years during her high school career and she earned Academic All-State honors, during her senior season this year.
She talked about how her coaches have helped her improve over the last few years, saying, “They’ve helped by motivating me to push harder and giving me every opportunity to improve.”
Mancias talked about what the recruiting process was like for her, saying, “It was stressful but I always kept faith and never stopped working hard.”
She added, “When WBU reached out with their offer, it just felt like all the pieces were falling into place and being able to play ball close to home just felt right. To be given this opportunity means everything to me.”
The former Anton Lady Dawg talked about what she’s most looking forward to about playing college basketball, saying, “I’m really excited to see how I grow as a player. Just being around that level of competition everyday, learning from the coaches, and just pushing myself to be better.”
She added, “I’m expecting to grow as a player and experience the competitiveness of college ball.”
Mancias talked about what her family support has been like, throughout her career, saying, “They’ve showed their support by helping me believe in myself and just being by my side when I need that extra pick up or just to be told there was ‘no one better’.” She talked about what it has meant to her to represent Anton over the last few years, saying, “It means every time I step on that court, I’m carrying the spirit of my hometown with me. Every fan, every coach, every street that shaped me. I’m playing for them as much as for myself.”
The newly signed Flying Queen talked about the growth she has seen in herself, explaining, “I know I’ve gained more patience while on the court, as well as more confidence in myself.”
Mancias talked about her favorite memory from her high school career, stating, “My favorite basketball memory would have to be my game-winning three against All-Saints this year. And my team celebrated with water bottles in the locker room and soaked me.”
Mancias plans to major in graphic design.”
Mancias will suit up one more time to conclude her high school career, as she will play in the Brazos All-Star Game in Strawn, Tx, on June 12th at 6 p.m.