Warren Central soccer player Jessica Hurley started the Christmas season with a little giving.

The senior handed over her letter of intent to Meridian Community College on Monday, officially signing with MCC in a formal ceremony inside the Warren Central library.

“It feels really good to be able to take that next step,” Hurley said. “I’ve always wanted to go to the next level and play, and I’m not ready to give up the sport. I love it and I always have.”

Hurley, a center midfielder and forward for the Lady Vikes, will take her talents to Meridian, where she hopes to be an integral part of a program that won three consecutive state championships from 2007-09.

“I love their campus, and I’ve actually had a few friends and family members that went to Meridian. Their soccer team is getting up there and doing good,” she said. “I went there and toured, and some of their players that were there I got to meet. Everybody wants to win, wants to play, has that passion for it, so that’s kind of what’s driven me to go there.”

Warren Central assistant coach Viktoria Case has seen Hurley’s transformation into one of the best players on the team and said she’s excited to watch her move on to compete in the NJCAA.

“She does have that star quality. She’s got the heart and the passion for it, which is what you need to play this sport,” Case said. “She has the ball skill and the touch, and she can make those shots. She’s finally realizing she can make those shots this year.”

Hurley is aiming for the scoring title this season for the Lady Vikes (4-8), who next play Saturday at Greenville.

While the senior’s on-field skill played a major part in her scholarship offer, Case believes it’s the intangibles that make her a top player.

“I think it’s her attitude that shines above everybody else,” Case said. “No matter how bad it gets on the field she’s still like, ‘Come on guys, we can do this.’ That’s what you need on a team, especially from your leader.”