By ADAM KUJAWSKI, Staff Writer
When Karina Gonzalez decided to play softball in college, it did not come as a surprise to those who have seen her play.
The Los Fresnos third baseman signed Tuesday to play softball at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, where she will fight for a starting spot on the team.
She’ll pursue a degree in elementary education.
The school competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and is a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
“I did more research, and the more I looked into it the more interested I became,” Gonzalez said. “I know it’s my freshman season, but I’m going to put in a lot of work and whatever happens, happens.”
The senior has played varsity softball since her freshman year and has developed into a formidable player.
“(Gonzalez) is very capable of playing any position on the field,” coach Traci Blackman said. “For me, I liked her at third base because she’s very aggressive and quick. She has a great glove and a great arm.
“Playing third base in softball is not easy. You play closer up because you have to field the bunt, but at the same time you have to be ready for a line drive to come at your face. (Gonzalez) has no fear. She does whatever she can to make the play. I strongly believe that she’s the best third baseman in the Valley.”
Gonzalez is a member of a Los Fresnos team that ranks No. 2 in District 32-6A and is gearing up for the postseason. She has been an integral part of her team’s success, something Blackman came to realize when she first saw Gonzalez play.
“When (I) first came here, (Gonzalez) was not in our softball class,” Blackman said. “She had a schedule conflict that wouldn’t allow her to get into the class until the spring semester.
“All we kept hearing was how good this girl was. I’m one of these people that I have to see it to believe it, and boy was I happy when I saw it.”
If Gonzalez continues with the same drive she has displayed as a member of the Los Fresnos team, Graceland recruiter and assistant football coach Isaac Martinez believes she’ll make an impact.
“(The softball coach is) a great woman, she loves softball, she loves Graceland and she cares about her athletes,” said Martinez, a Los Fresnos alumnus. “If she puts the work in and if she puts in the effort and if she commits herself, she’ll fit in just right. She’ll not only make it, but she’ll thrive and flourish.”
Adam Kujawski covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @adamkujo1.