When senior Wrilyn Shippey stepped onto the field at the state semifinals in May, she was the only one who knew it would be her last time wearing No. 7.

“It was really tough that I couldn’t tell anyone,” Shippey said. 

Shippey will graduate at the end of the semester and continue her soccer career at Angelo State University. Shippey also got offers from Stephen F. Austin and the University of Incarnate Word. She will sign in the main gym on Nov. 8.

“I really liked the coach and the program (at Angelo State),” Shippey said. “I was super excited when I got the offer, and I’m ready to start a new journey.”

Shippey has been a varsity starter since freshman year and her coach, Jason Adkins, says she has been a crucial part of the team.

“She has been a rock in the back for us for three years and a great leader,” he said. “She has grown up to be a stellar defender and leader.”

After  three years with Adkins, Shippey has gained a great deal of knowledge, but her biggest take away is mentality matters.

“If you want to be there, then it shows in your performance,” Shippey said. “If you have a bad mentality before the game starts, it will show in the way you play.”

This past season, the girl’s soccer team made it to the state semi-final for the first time in school history. Scoring the game-winner in the regional final and taking them to state, Shippey was a crucial member of the team.

“She was our center back, which is a really important role on the field,” assistant coach Shauna Douglass said. “Even under pressure, she was able to calmly make decisions. Offense wins games, but defense wins championships.”

Shippey, although nervous about graduating early, is ready to begin this new chapter in her life. 

“(I’m looking forward to) just being part of a team,” Shippey said. “There’s nothing better than having built in friends, being part of a team and having something to work for.”

Because of her early departure, Shippey will not make an appearance on the field this season, but her coaches are confident that she will succeed at the collegiate level.

“She’s gonna do great,” Douglass said. “I think she’ll continue to be steadfast. She’s bringing a lot of talent with her. Going into a new team, it’s like you’re trying to find your place and earn your spot all over again, but they’re going to be lucky to have her.”