Calexico High School’s Kayla Rubio signs to AWC
CALEXICO — Shortly after her junior year, Kayla Rubio began thinking basketball and life after high school.
“I think everyone has that idea of playing after high school,” Rubio said. “I just tried to stay open-minded and hoped I’d get that opportunity to play somewhere.”
Prior to her senior season at Calexico High School, Rubio joined a recruiting website and with a strong final year as a Bulldog, caught the attention of Patrick Cunningham, the head women’s basketball coach at Arizona Western College.
After much communication, Rubio visited the campus and practiced with the team about two weeks ago, where she was presented with a full-ride scholarship to play for the Matadors next season.
On Wednesday Rubio formally agreed to join AWC during a signing ceremony before family, coaches, teammates and friends.
“It was very emotional,” said Rubio with a smile after signing her letter. “It’s exciting and nerve-wracking and a little sad all at the same time. It’s a new journey to begin and I’ll be leaving home, which will be hard because I’m so close to my family.”
Rubio said part of the reason she chose AWC was its proximity to home in addition to a few other features.
“The program itself was a high-point,” she explained. “The school also has my majors, business and kinesiology, and you can’t go wrong with a full-ride.”
The 6-foot senior served as the starting center for Calexico during her three-year varsity run and anticipated she’d contribute to the Matadors in the forward position next season.
Rubio will be joining a strong AWC squad that finished last season with an overall record of 23-9 and was one game away from reaching the National Junior College Athletic Association Tournament.
The Matadors will also be receiving a solid player in Rubio, who in her senior year helped Calexico to a second consecutive IVL title, while picking up Player of the Year honors.
“That was a huge honor and I wasn’t expecting it,” said Rubio of the Player of the Year award.
Rubio averaged 12.4 points and 11.6 rebounds per game in her senior year, leading Calexico to an overall record of 23-4 and a league record of 6-0.
The 18-year-old said she was looking forward to the opportunity to improve her skills and playing at a higher level when she reports for school in mid-August.