Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Clovis High's Caley Adams signs a national letter of intent to play for the Eastern New Mexico University women's soccer team on Wednesday night at Rock Staubus Gym. Adams posted 25 goals and 14 assists to help the Lady Wildcats post a 16-5 record in 2022.
CLOVIS - Clovis High's Caley Adams wanted to keep playing soccer in college. She just hoped to stay close to home, if possible.
On Wednesday night, she managed to accomplish that task, signing a national letter of intent with Eastern New Mexico University in a ceremony at Rock Staubus Gym.
During the recently completed campaign, Adams helped lead the Lady Wildcats to a 16-5 overall record (5-1 District 4-5A) and a berth in the Class 5A state tournament, pacing the team with a whopping 25 goals and 14 assists.
"I reached out to the Eastern coach (Eric Belcher)," Adams said. "I sent him a film, and he said he liked the way I played and that I could help the team out."
Part of her reason for choosing ENMU was the fact that she can come back and watch the Lady Cats play next season, and family and friends will be able to see her in action in Portales.
Adams split time between the CHS varsity and junior varsity as a freshman, and was on the varsity for her final three years. In 2021, she was second on the team with 11 goals and led in assists with 10 as Clovis posted a 13-5-1 mark.
Included in her tally this season were a pair of hat tricks (three-goal matches).
"She deserves everything she's getting," second-year CHS coach Ray Rodriguez said. "She's put in the work during the off-season, and her work ethic is through the roof. She works hard every day to learn more about the game."
Adams said Rodriguez expected her to have a big season in 2022.
"Coach Ray told me last year I was going to get more than 20 goals this year," she said. "I told him I didn't know about that, but I did it."
Clovis shared the district championship with Hobbs, but lost the tiebreaker to the Lady Eagles by one (8-7) on goal differential within the district. Still, the Lady Cats were seeded higher (eighth) in the 12-team state tournament than their rivals (12th).
They played a first-round home match against La Cueva at Leon Williams Stadium on Oct. 25 and dropped a 1-0 sudden-death decision when the Bears scored late in the second overtime period.
