Lady Apache catcher inks letter of intent

GONZALES — Last season the Gonzales Lady Apaches were playoff bound for the first time in five years. That postseason squad was led by starting pitcher Tori Lester and a Lady Apache who just inked her letter of intent last week, Kristeny Magallanes.

The now senior catcher had a choice between other schools like Blinn or Midwestern State but decided her path towards playing college softball landed in Weatherford College.

Weatherford College is a community college located in Weatherford, Parker County, Texas, with athletes competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Last season, the softball team went 32-16, making it to the national tournament in just their second season of inception.

In terms of signing her letter of intent, Magallanes understands that it’s been awhile since Gonzales held a signing for softball.

“It’s very exciting,” she said. “I guess it shows how much the softball program has improved and the whole athletic program. We’ve definitely stepped it up.”

Playing select softball during the offseason helped her achieve this goal as she thanked her coaches for all the help they had in the process of finding a good college for her.

“I couldn’t have done it without them,” Magallanes said. “Also my dad, he’s a big help. And Coach [Sam] White.”

Her aspirations are high when asked what kind of goals she wants to achieve in her first year at college.

“I definitely want to hit at least a .430,” she declared, “and I would like to keep a starting position my freshman year.”

Being that she’s the first of hopefully many Lady Apaches to sign their letter of intent, Magallanes advised others who are working towards this goal to “never give up.”

“It gets hard at times,” she admitted, “just because everyone is committing when they’re freshmen or sophomore. You just got to keep your head up and stay positive and always work hard.”

Magallanes will be majoring in Criminal Justice during her time at Weatherford College.