Sports can be a gateway to college

Erika Hilario, right, and her daughter Luisa Hilario, 11, look up the definition of a word as her son Erick, 8, works on his homework in their home in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles. A letter writer agrees that parental support is key to student athletes’ academic achievements. Genaro Molina Los Angeles Times

Re “Girl aims high with help from soccer, mom” (Capitol & California, Oct. 20): Three of my granddaughters got a full ride to college with sports scholarships. They kept their grades up in middle and high schools, played sports and were spotted and recruited by colleges.

Sports was their gateway to higher education and, hopefully, to a bright future. But the important part that can’t be overstated is their parents supported them every step of the way, often putting their needs second, as did this mother, Erika Hilario, from Boyle Heights. Good luck to this awe-inspiring family.

Judith Fox, Citrus Heights

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