By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
Her college future already secured, Juliette Gonzalez can now enter her upcoming senior season of softball at Hanna playing with some added confidence.
That college future became a reality Tuesday as the standout right-handed pitcher signed an NCAA Division I athletic scholarship agreement to play for Texas Southern University in Houston.
The signing ceremony was held at Hanna’s new Buchanan Performing Arts Center with family, fellow classmates and teammates, coaches and other Brownsville ISD staff members on hand to witness the eventful moment.
“This is an incredible experience,” said Gonzalez, who began playing softball at age 3 and has started for the Lady Golden Eagles since she was a freshman. “It’s what I’ve worked hard for all my life. I never thought this day would come, but it came sooner than I thought (during the early signing period).
“To play Division I softall, I consider that a big achievement, and I’m proud of myself,” added Gonzalez, a recipient of all-district honors throughout her high school career while also playing club softball. “I just thank my parents (Humberto and Cindy Gonzalez). I wouldn’t be here without them.”
The road has been anything but easy for the Hanna pitcher. While Gonzalez was in middle school, she developed a tumor in her lower back that was surgically removed. Those were dark times as her future in softball was in doubt.
“I was told I’d never be able to pitch again,” she said. “Actually, I was even told that I would barely be able to walk, but I overcame that (condition) in six months. I worked hard to come back.”
With Hanna’s 2017 softball season just ahead in less than two months followed by her graduation, there’s plenty to be excited about, especially now that her college status is set with softball right in the middle of the mix.
“It takes a load off my shoulders knowing that I’m already set to go play in college,” said Gonzalez, who plans to study broadcast journalism at TSU. “But that won’t change my outlook on players in the Valley (and playing against them during the upcoming season). We have a lot of talented players here who go unnoticed, so I always have to keep my head up and stay on my toes (playing against them).”
Hanna coach Rey Lerma said he’s gotten to know Gonzalez’s parents quite well because their older daughter, Jacque, a 2013 Hanna graduate, started four years for the Lady Eagles before Juliette came along.
“It’s kind of like a family affair that’s gone on for eight years (with the two sisters on the Hanna ballclub at different times),” Lerma said. “The parents are great and very supportive. I’m happy for Juliette and for the whole family.”
To his knowlege, Lerma said, it’s the first time Hanna has had an NCAA Division I signee in softball.
“From my standpoint, this is a very happy day because I understand the hard work and determination Juliette has put in,” the longtime coach said. “I still remember when she was told she would never play softball again. I know that through her determination, her father’s and that of the entire family, she just fought back and fought back to be where she is now.
“I used to see Juliette running out here (at Hanna) in the evenings (as part of her rehab training),” Lerma added. “She’s really a strong girl and all of her hard work has paid off. She’s a perfect role model. You couldn’t ask for a better one.”