Merced High School soccer star Esquivel signs with UC Merced

Fifteen minutes after the ink dried, Hannah Esquivel still was posing for pictures with well-wishers.

In a second-floor room at UC Merced’s Student Activities & Athletics Center on Monday night, 35 people watched the Merced High School senior midfielder sign her letter of intent with the Bobcats. Among those in attendance were Esquivel’s family, friends and current and future teammates.

And everyone wanted a picture or two with her to document the moment.

“It means a lot to have the people that have supported me all these years here to share this moment,” Esquivel said. “They’re the reason I’ve been able to have this opportunity, so I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It was a little overwhelming. My face actually hurts from smiling for all the pictures, but in a good way.”

Esquivel joins a coach and a playing style she’s become familiar with, as Megan Atoigue coaches both programs.

“Having (Atoigue) as a high school coach really helped my decision,” Esquivel said. “I’ve just become so comfortable with her and her coaching style.

“I think all girls dream of playing in college and the World Cup someday, but I never really believed I would until coach came along. I’m excited to get on the campus and try to win a spot. The team did really well last year, and it would be cool to help take it to the next level.”

Esquivel becomes UC Merced’s fifth signing for the 2015 class and the second from Merced High, joining Niccole Salm. Esquivel’s game, a combination of power and finesse, is rare in soccer. She leads the Bears with eight goals and is second on the team with five assists.

“She fills a position we need as an outside mid,” Atoigue said. “She’s the total package. She’s got speed. She obviously has the technical skill, but she also plays with an intensity and toughness. She’s not going to back down from anyone physically, which is going to help her at the next level.

“My Merced High team has a lot of leaders, but it’s natural for Hannah. She’s easily our most inspirational player, always picking her teammates up.”

This story was originally published March 31, 2015 at 4:09 PM with the headline "Merced High School soccer star Esquivel signs with UC Merced."