Athlete of the Week: Ale Aparicio

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — UTRGV football player Ale Aparicio cherishes being a member of the team.

"Very pumped up coming into this program, wanting to make history with other guys that also want to make some history," said the redshirt freshman wide receiver.

Ale knows about history. A star quarterback at PSJA North, Aparicio helped the Raiders reach their first-ever regional final in 2022.

The UTRGV coaching staff converted Aparicio into a wide receiver.

"It was different, but as always, whatever it takes for the eam to get better," Ale said. "Anywhere I can be on the field to help the team out, I'll do it."

Ale leaned on another Valley native, UTRGV Wide Receivers Coach, Gunnar Henderson, to help him make the transition.

"Coach Gunnar's been a big help," Aparicio said. "Even in the QB room, he gave me a lot of advice from when he was in college. Switching into his room, the receiver room, he's helped me a lot, from technique and making me a better player overall."

Henderson has been impressed by Ale's willingness to do whatever is needed.

"Trust your process and run your race," Henderson said. "I think Ale's done an unbelievable job with that. When I say unbelievable job, I mean he's up to do anything we ask of him. Punt team, scout kick-off return, scout offense, offense."

Ale was part of the first recruiting class at UTRGV. Some of the players who took part in the program's first year, which only consisted of practice, are no longer on the team. Ale's mindset has helped him keep his spot on the squad.

"Like Coach Gunnar says, 'Know your why and know who you're doing it for.'"

A proud Valley native, Aparicio is thrilled to take part in UTRGV's inaugural season.

"Being one of the Valley guys that's out here, I'm happy and excited," Ale said. "I just want to put on for my community."

The Vaqueros' first-ever game will be on Aug. 30 against Sul Ross State at Vackar Stadium in Edinburg.