MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake senior Gabi Rios will have the chance to extend her volleyball career next season at Big Bend. Rios wrapped up her final season above the net with the Chiefs in the fall.

Rios said she’s very hopeful heading into her first season with the Vikings, and summed up her emotions of the day as simply “super pumped.”

“I just hope to improve my game as much as I can, and, hopefully, continue playing after my two years here, finding a four-year where I can continue to play,” she said.

As a senior for the Chiefs, Rios remained a focal point of the attack this fall all season, regularly leading her team in kills. She was voted second team all-league as an outside hitter.

Rios said being around Big Bend had the feeling of “a home away from home.”

“The coaching staff and the program, I just feel so welcome here,” she said.

The Moses Lake senior follows in her parents footsteps by joining the Vikings next season. Both Mike and Charlene Rios attended Big Bend as athletes before moving on to Division 1 schools. Both are now inductees in the Big Bend Athletic Hall of Fame.

Charlene Rios said she’s just excited for her daughter to have the chance to continue to play, and pursue her dream.

“Our main focus has always been for her to play,” Charlene Rios said. “This gives her the opportunity to challenge herself, but still play. There was a little convincing to keep her at home, but we did it.”

Mike and Charlene Rios said they hope their daughter’s time at Big Bend can operate as just a step toward her larger journey.

“It worked out for both of us, we both came to Big Bend, we both went on to D-1 schools afterwards,” Mike Rios said. “It’s a good stepping stone. We like to see her follow in the same footsteps, as long as she enjoys it.”

Big Bend head volleyball coach Michael De Hoog said Rios is a player he’s been around for years, whether it be through the club or high school level. De Hoog said he looks at character a lot when bringing in players, and said Rios is “just a great person.”

“Obviously, she can play,’ he said. “I’m excited to see what she does. Her parents did some special things here at this school, so I’m excited for her to blaze her own trail, and do her own special things.”