SGA, Bishop softball players earn TGCA All-State Honors
The Texas Girl’s Coaches Association recently released the 2020-21 list of All-State softball players, and two area teams have four players on the Class 3A roster.
Santa Gertrudis Academy’s Carissa De Los Santos and Jackie Garza, and Bishop’s Kieara Cruz and Andrea Martinez, were each awarded spots on the TGCA Class 3A All-State team, respectively, for their play this season.
Bishop
The Lady Badger pitcher and catcher duo of Martinez and Cruz were a force to be reckoned with all season as they played a pivotal role in Bishop’s historic softball season.
From District 30-3A champions, to semi-finalists in the Class 3A State Tournament, the pair were essential to the success the Lady Badgers had through 2021.
Martinez said her coach had sent her a picture of her and Cruz’ names on the All-State list and she was excited.
“I never would have thought I would have been on there (and) I was even more excited when I saw my catcher Kieara in there, too,” Martinez said. “I wish I had saw more of my teammates names on there because I felt like they deserved to be on there as much as me and Kieara did.
“I felt like the season went exactly how we wanted it to go,” Martinez added. “From making history by going passed the fourth round to going to our first ever state tournament. Every single one of my girls had a job to do from the very beginning and they executed it very well all the way to the end. I am just so glad I get to be a part of this amazing team.”
Cruz said with all that Bishop earned through the season, earning an All-State honor was “just icing on top of the cake.”
“After I had saw that Andrea and I had earned the All-State honor I was filled with joy. I immediately texted Andrea and she was so excited for the both of us,” Cruz said. “Our plan didn’t really go through with claiming the state title, but I feel like we as a team have made such an impact from coming out of a small town like Bishop. The girls and I had really put everything we got into our games last season and I couldn’t have asked for better teammates. I am just really happy my last season went out with a bang and a legacy, to be a part of something like that is so surreal.”
This year’s lone senior Kieara Cruz had one last thing on her mind for her teammates she is leaving behind.
“I just want to say I hope they go out next year and show what I know they can do,” she said. “I will always have those girl’s backs and we have such an unbreakable bond. I love them all to death and wish the best for them. And yes of course, I will be cheering them on next year.”
SGA
The two Lady Lion Seniors in Garza and De Los Santos racked up a ton of awards over their four year varsity careers, including a State Championship in their freshmen seasons.
Now, with an All-State award from the TGCA, the pair are celebrating with one more award to “represent Academy on the field.”
“I have worked hard and put in so much time and effort so it was nice to see that it paid off.” De Los Santos said. “I thought my senior season went well. There are a number of things that I still need to improve on as a player, but I thought I had a decent year all around.”
Garza said going into her senior season, she had a number of goals on her mind, especially being more productive at the plate for her team.
“I felt I did just that,” Garza said. “Before the season began my mindset was to have a long season with my teammates one last time and we did just that. I couldn’t be more grateful to be part of such a talented group of girls my senior year.”
As for all the girls who will continue into next year without their All-State seniors, the two had some last words for them both.
“I love each and every one of you all. Thank you for always having my back and for being such great teammates. You all mean so much to me. Keep working hard,” De Los Santos said.
“I am honored to have represented Academy for the last four years and truly thankful to have played along side every single one y’all,” Garza said. “Cherish every moment because it goes by quicker than you think. Keep working hard and I wish y’all the best next year.”
Santa Gertrudis Academy and Bishop each made the Class 3A softball playoffs, with the Lady Lions losing to the Lady Badgers in the Class 3A Region IV Finals.
The Lady Badger season concluded in the Class 3A State Semi-Finals.