Mariaxi Herrera blazed a trail for the Javelina women's tennis program in her four years on the court. She signed on ahead of the 2012-13 season and quickly rose up the ranks to cement herself as the No. 1 singles competitor for the Blue and Gold.

In her four years, Herrera compiled 39 wins overall, 35 in the dual season, and was a three-time All-LSC singles honoree following the 2014, 2015, and 2016 seasons after being named All-LSC honorable mention in 2013 as a true freshman. Her best two years on the court came as a junior and senior as she went 13-7 during the dual season in 2015 and followed up with a 14-11 mark in 2016 to close her career.

Once she graduated from TAMUK she returned home and took time today to catch up with Javelina Nation.

Why did you choose to attend Texas A&M-Kingsville?

What I like most about TAMUK was the people. It was amazing whenever I went to visit the school the way they received me and made me feel right at home since the first moment I was on campus. I also chose it because it was a new program, the campus was beautiful and I enjoyed the weather.

What is your favorite Javelina memory?

My favorite memory is living with my teammates. It was the best memory and also what I missed the most. We were able to share experiences about school, our apartment and what we loved the most which was tennis. We were all international students and we were able to become a family away from home since we were unable to go home often. We were always together, even on holidays, and even now we keep in touch every single day and we always plan to get together.

What have you been up to since you left Kingsville?

Since I left Kingsville I returned to my home country of Ecuador and started working at a manufacturing company called Pronaca. I am currently a strategic specialist and recently got married and I couldn't be happier! I really miss tennis and it hasn't been the same since I left Kingsville. Life definitely changes whenever you graduate. I also miss my teammates and coach, I wish I could have them close to me.

What is something most people don't know about you?

One thing people may not know is that after leaving Kingsville I do not play tennis as much as I would like to. An adult life makes it difficult.

Do you still keep in contact with your teammates?

Yes! With the majority of them almost every day. They are part of my day even though we live so far away. After leaving Kingsville I have got together with four of my teammates even though we all live in different countries. The only one I live close to is Erika since we are both in Ecuador, but it is amazing that we manage to see each other and keep in touch even with living in different time zones. We can't wait to get together again and we may see each other this upcoming 2021!

How has your time as a Javelina prepared you for life after college?

Being an athlete and student at TAMUK prepared me for everything. It made me learn how to live alone, to appreciate family by living far away from them, to be responsible, to help each other, and the most important part, how to be a good teammate and to do everything for my team.

What advice do you have for current Javelinas?

To enjoy every single second at TAMUK. They have no idea how much you miss it whenever you leave and you will always wish to go back again. Every moment, every class, every activity, every match, every community service is worth it and you will miss it! So enjoy and be happy, because you are all at the happiest place.

To keep up-to-date with Javelina Women's Tennis, follow the program on Twitter @JavelinaTennis, and on Facebook at /JavelinaSports

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