Star striker set to transfer Soccer forward commits to Cal Poly Pomona

Sophomore forward Jackie Hilario, one of the most dynamic soccer players to sport the Brahma red and black, has committed to play at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona).

Hilario, a graduate of El Camino Real High School in 2012, helped the Conquistadores win three city championships.

This year she has been an instrumental part for the Brahmas success, leading Pierce to its first conference title in three years and helping claim its ninth overall in the soccer program’s 13-year history.

“As much success as we have had in 13 years, winning nine conference championships, and seeing the players that come through these fields,” Perez said. “I think she ranks up there as one of the most talented and purist players that we have ever had.”

Hilario’s numbers back it up as well. With 10 goals and 13 assists, Hilario is one of the most versatile players that Pierce has ever had, proving that not only can she put shots in the back of the net, but has the crisp touch it takes to find her teammates as well.

“She has really good ball control and she’s quick with and without the ball,” sophomore midfielder Shawnie Moore said describing Hilario’s playmaking ability. “She moves at any given point, she’s always working hard and she always gets the job done.”

With having gold standard talent Hilario has the golden attitude to go along with it according to Perez who says “he has never met a player as nice as Jackie.”

“She’s amazing,” Perez said. “She is not greedy, she doesn’t care who scores and she is all about the team. She’s one of those kids that people say, ‘If you don’t like her, you don’t like anybody.’ If more players were like Jackie, it’d be too easy to coach.”

As for Cal Poly Pomona, the Broncos could use all the help the team can get from Hilario. The Broncos finished with an overall record of 6-7-5 and won only four games in conference during their 2013 campaign.

Athletic Director Bob Lofrano thinks that Hilario has the qualities both on and off the field to give Cal Poly Pomona a competitive edge and make the team contenders when she joins them.

“She brings great athleticism on the field but I think on the field and off the field she’s a leader,” Lofrano said. “She’s a leader, a person you can depend on and she is a coach’s delight.”

The co-captain said she has a good relationship with Guarino which is why she thinks it will help their team to strive to play their very best.

“We are here together for the girls and they are like our sisters,” Elser said. “I know Kira is a good choice because she has my back on any decisions just like she would for the team.”

Nabil Mardini, the women’s volleyball coach, talked about some of Gurarino’s strengths and weaknesses.

“She has all the athletic ability in the world, but her biggest weakness is that she doesn’t think highly of herself,” Mardini said. “I sometimes tell her to give herself a pat on the back.”

The captain also agreed that she is her own worst enemy.

“I get way too hard on myself during games or practices,” Guarino said. “I criticize myself more than Nabil does and it has been a struggle my whole volleyball life.”

On the other hand the player carries many qualities like leadership and passion, according to

LEADERSHIP: her fellow teammates and Mardini.

“She is very positive, athletic, self-driven and understanding as the team captain,” Mardini said.

“She has come a long way being a leader because you don’t gain that leadership skill overnight.

The captain’s goal is to have every single one of her teammates succeed, and with that comes support and compassion, according to Mardini.

“I am very competitive and that is what I think is best for this team, which is to be competitive and don’t stop pushing yourself,” Guarino said.

The player’s future is bright as she is determined to earn her doctorate degree, start a business of opening up her own practice(s) for pre and rehab sports medicine and hopes to own at least six exotic cars, according to Guarino.

As for this season at Pierce, Guarino plans to take her team all the way to the finish line and knows she won’t ever stop playing.