Sophomore midfielder Jackie Hilario, one of the most dynamic soccer players to sport the Brahma red and black has committed to play at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona).
Hilario, a graduate of El Camino Real High School in 2012 helped the Conquistadores win three city championships.
This year she has been instrumental in the Brahmas success this year, leading Pierce to their first conference title in three years and helping claim their ninth overall in the program’s 13-year history.
Head coach Adolfo Perez who has known Hilario since she was 11 years old talked about his star midfielder and the legacy she will leave at Pierce
“As much success as we have had in 13 years, winning nine conference championships, and seeing the players that come through these fields,” Perez said. “I think she ranks up there as one of the most talented and purist players that we have ever had.”
Hilario’s numbers back it up as well. With 10 goals and 13 assists Hilario is one of the most versatile players that Pierce has ever had proving that not only can she put shots on net, but has the crisp touch it takes to find her teammates as well.
“She has really good ball control and she’s quick with and without the ball,” sophomore midfielder Shawnie Moore said describing Hilario’s playmaking ability. “She moves at any given point, she’s always working hard and she always get’s the job done.”
With having gold standard talent Hilario has the golden attitude to go along with it according to Perez who says “he has never met a player as nice as Jackie”
“She’s amazing,” Perez said. “She is not greedy, she doesn’t care who scores and she is all about the team. She’s one of those kids that people say, ‘If you don’t like her, you don’t like anybody.’ If more players were like Jackie, it’d be too easy to coach.”
As for Cal Poly Pomona, the Broncos could use all the help they can get from Hilario.The Broncos finished with an overall record of 6-7-5 and won only four games in conference during their 2013 campaign.
Athletic Director Bob Lofrano thinks that Hilario has the qualities both on and off the field to make Pomona contenders.
“She brings great athleticism on the field but I think on the field and off the field she’s a leader,” Lofrano said. “She’s a leader, a person you can depend on and she is a coaches delight.”
