MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake senior defender Raymundo Curiel extended his athletic career on Wednesday afternoon as he signed on to play soccer at Columbia Basin College next season.

Curiel said the feelings were just pure excitement as friends and family gathered to celebrate the senior at Moses Lake High School on Wednesday.

“I’m just really excited to get on the field again and get another two years, hopefully transfer to a university afterwards,” Curiel said. “But I’m gonna try and play soccer until I can’t anymore.”

The driving word was ‘family,’ Curiel said, when talking with his future CBC coach before deciding on the Hawks.

Soccer has been a massive part of his life, Curiel said, ever since he was young.

“It’s meant the world to me,” Curiel said. “It’s honestly my gateway away from everything. Once I’m on that field, its like no problems. I just love playing.”

Heading into his senior season, Curiel said he has his eyes on a positive last season with the Chiefs.

“I just want to work, and I just want to win,” Curiel said. “And, with Moses Lake, I just want to make a name for ourselves, make a mark.”

Former Moses Lake head coach Richie Ramirez said Curiel’s work as a role model for the younger players was huge.

“His drive, his work ethic, his IQ for the sport, his enthusiasm, he brought a huge crowd of friends so he’s obviously a likable guy,” Ramirez said. “His maturity definitely makes a difference and makes a presence.”

Ramirez said it’s unfortunate he won’t be able to coach his nephew in his senior year, but knows he’ll have no issue satisfying the new coach this season.

From a young age, watching him play and grow, Ramirez said everyone knew he would have high aspirations to go places. The former Moses Lake coach said he knows Curiel would love ending up with his cousin, Ray Serrano, on Seattle Sounders F2 team.

“As a kid, he always had a soccer ball at his feet, in his hands, traveling somewhere, something soccer related,” Ramirez said. “The kid has the drive, which is awesome. To see him finally signing, you can see it in his eyes, it’s all finally reflecting, catching up to him.”