Early High School basketball player Aubrey Horton officially signed with Tarleton State University on Wednesday afternoon.

Friends, family, coaches and staff members at EHS filled the conference room to celebrate Horton’s signing and next chapter in her basketball career.

Horton stated that she is looking forward to playing at TSU; however, she knows as a freshman there will be lots of work to do.

“Coming in as a freshman, they told me to expect lots of hard work,” said Horton.  “The coaches want to make me stronger, faster and better.”

Horton credited part of her success to having great teammates and coaches.

“I’m going to miss my friends and teammates.  I had an awesome four years,” Horton stated.  “I’m thankful for my teammates and coaches, they are why I am here.”

Early Head Coach Kristi Sandoval stated that she is very proud for Horton and that she will have a great career at Tarleton.

“Aubrey is an amazing kid.  I’ve had her for four years and she got better each year,” said Sandoval.  “It’s going to be hard to fill her shoes next year.   She’s going to be greatly missed.  She’s a great kid and we wish her the best of luck.  She’s going to do some great things there.”

Horton plans to study kinesiology to become an athletic trainer.

When asked what she is most excited about in attending TSU she stated, “The atmosphere.  The game atmosphere is like nothing else.”

Horton considered attending a few other universities including North Texas State University, Midwestern University, and Angelo State University.

Her parents are thankful that she will be attending a university near Brownwood.

“We are very excited, hopefully we will be able to come to all the home games,” said Horton’s mother Rebecca.

Although the last two years have been especially successful with being selected to play in games such as the FCA All-Stars and the Maypearl Texas Round-up All-Star Game, along with honors such as District 6-2A Co-MVP, academic all-district, and all-state honors, Horton has overcome struggles to make these achievements.

The summer of her sophomore year, Horton injured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and faced recovery after surgery.  She battled back and became a more determined player, according to Coach Sandoval who stated that it is an ongoing battle for Horton.  The injury, according to Horton, was also a blessing in a strange way as it made her work ethic better.

“My injury made me who I am, I came in my freshman year with no work ethic,” said Horton.  “So that injury taught me to put in the hard work and dedication, with that, it has transformed me.  It would have been nice not to have had it, but now, it’s who I am.”

Horton stated that it will be hard to leave the years at Early High School behind.

“The last 2 years have been so much fun, the friendships I’ll never forget them, and the coaches I will never forget them,” said Horton.

Horton is the daughter of Shane and Rebecca Horton.

Above:  Horton with her family and Coach Sandoval.

Horton and her teammates.