By Don Eskins
One thing parents hope their children learn to do is dream big. But it doesn’t just end there. Kids must also develop a “want to” and work ethic to achieve those dreams.
Kids like Carlsbad High senior Abbey Dugan, a dual sport blue chip letterman who plays both Cavegirl soccer and basketball and recently put the finishing touches on a dream of her own— to compete collegiately.
Earlier this month, she signed a letter of intent to play soccer for the Hardin-Simmons University Cowgirls during the 2025-26 school year.
Hardin-Simmons, located 275 miles east of Carlsbad in Abilene, TX, is a Division III school that competes in the American Southwest Conference.
Dugan, who played as an attacking midfielder and forward for CHS this year, said signing with Hardin-Simmons was an easy choice for her to make.
“My older sister, Alexa, played collegiate soccer. While she was touring colleges, I often toured with her. One of the schools she looked at was Hardin-Simmons. I’ve loved the idea of playing soccer and attending school there from day one,” said Dugan. “I felt like it was where I belonged. I love everything about it, the coaches, the players, and the campus. It’s also close to Carlsbad, so my family can come and watch me play.”
But there was something else about HSU that drew Dugan’s attention.
“They’ve got a great soccer program. They closed out this season at 17-2 and were a perfect 8-0 in conference,” she said. “Although they’ll be losing a lot of seniors off this year’s team, I think we’ll have a good shot at having another good season next year.”
As an HSU freshman, Dugan said she’s being groomed by the Cowgirl coaching staff to play a familiar spot.
“In their scheme of things, they’re looking for me to play at the 10 spot,” she said. “That translates into somewhere between an attacking midfielder and a forward.”
While life moves on for the soon-to-be HSU Cowgirl, Dugan said she won’t forget her roots at Carlsbad High.
“Although I’m looking forward to competing collegiately next year, I’m going to miss the association I’ve had with my Cavegirl coaches and teammates over the past few years,” she said. “Honestly, I’m going to miss a lot of things. Being a Cavegirl has been so much fun, and during that time, I’ve learned a lot.”
Dugan, a two-time All-Stater and five-time All-District 4/5A Selection (which includes an MVP in 2023), is the daughter of Ken and Jeni Dugan.
As a student at HSU, she plans to major in Elementary Education.
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