Isabella Rivera was surrounded by friends and family during National Letter of Intent Day.

The East Union High senior posed for camera phone photos with each – most likely, Facebook, Instagram or other social media – before signing on the dotted line Wednesday to attend Stanislaus State University in the fall to play soccer.

“It feels good to know where I’ll be and what I’ll be doing for the four or five years,” said the midfielder for the Lancers.

Her coaches were there, as were sisters Isela and Ilena. Together, they shared a magical season last spring playing with Lancers, capturing the Valley Oak League title and bringing home the Sac-Joaquin Section IV title by beating Vista Lago in the championship game.

“That was the only time all three of us played (soccer) together – it was extra special,” said Isabella.

She credited moments like that for putting her in the position of attracting college scouts. “A few were from the southern California area,” said Trent Rivera, Isabella’s father.

But for Isabella several factors favored Stanislaus State. One was the location just off Highway 99 in Turlock.

“I’m very much of a homebody,” she said. “My family is very important to me.

“(Turlock) is only 40 minutes away so I’m close enough to home and won’t miss out on too much what’s going on.”

Ditto that for the family – father Trent and mother Veronica not to mention her sisters and brother, Trent Jr. – who will be close enough to catch her home games.

Isabella, in addition, was familiar with Warriors coach Gabriel Bolton. “He’s the one that kept in the contact with us the most (out of the other recruiting schools),” she said.

Rivera also fell in love with the campus.

East Union Principal Raul Mora and Vice Principal / Dean of Athletics J. J. Ramirez congratulated Isabella and her family on this national signing day for student-athletes throughout the country.

Isabella Rivera has been playing organized soccer since she was 5. Prior to that one year at East Union, she played alongside her younger sister Ilena.

Family will still be close by in the coming years. Isabella plans to go into Nursing at Stanislaus State.