Cibola athletes Mariana Vega and Nicolas Acero sign college letters of intent

Two of the Raiders' best athletes on the court and in the pool both revealed where they'll continue their academic and athletic careers

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Cibola celebrated two athletes making the move to the next level on Friday afternoon.

Girl's basketball star Mariana Vega signed to play for Scottsdale Community College, while swimmer Nicolas Acero signed to compete at Quincy College in Illinois.

Vega was one of the best girl's hoops players in Arizona during her senior year with the Raiders, ranking in the top 10 in multiple categories.

Following her signing, Vega praised the Raiders program for helping her get to the next level.

"I wouldn't have gotten to this point if it wasn't because of Cibola like, all of these tournaments that we went to in Phoenix, Prescott, that's the only way I actually got seen from that school," Vega said.

Vega says she plans on studying physical therapy while in school, hoping to stay close to basketball after her playing days are done.

Following Vega's ceremony, Acero made his commitment to the NCAA Division II program at Quincy.

Just like Vega, Acero credits not just the Raiders' swim program, but the entire school with helping him succeed in and out of the water.

"Without Cibola, I wouldn't be here, from teachers, counselors to my Cibola swim coach, they've all been a huge part of my journey, and then my club coaches outside of the school, have played a huge role," Acero said.

Acero was one of the best swimmers in Arizona during his time with the Raiders, earning all-region recognitions in all four years with the team.

Following his success in water, Acero hopes to do the same in the air, as he plans on studying aviation while at Quincy.