By STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
RAYMONDVILLE — In the fieldhouse next door to the softball diamond where she toiled to make her goal a reality, Raymondville senior third baseman Rachel Muniz signed her intent to play with Central Methodist University on Monday.
CMU, an NAIA Division I program in Fayette, Missouri, competes in the Heart of America Conference.
Muniz cited wanting to continue her education away from home as a major factor in her decision to sign with CMU.
“It’s always been a dream of mine,” Muniz said. “Ever since I came to high school, I always wanted to sign.”
In 2020, Muniz will join her future teammate, Wylie native Addison Allard, in representing the Eagles from the Lone Star State.
Muniz thanked her parents and coaches for their support, adding that without them, she wouldn’t have been able to set or accomplish her athletic or academic goals.
“They always just told me to go out there and play your heart out,” Muniz said. Because you never know, it might be your last. I’m just blessed to say that I’m going to be continuing my softball career.”
During Muniz’s junior season at Raymondville, CMU coaches reached out to her, and she was sold on becoming an Eagles player after visiting the campus.
“I pretty much just said, yeah, I want to do this,” Muniz said.
Muniz’s parents are fully behind their daughter’s endeavors, despite the 16-hour drive from Raymondville to CMU’s campus in Fayette. The move will be particularly trying for her mother, Alice, because Rachel is their only child.
“We (endured) a lot of struggles to get her to where we’re at right now,” Alice said. “But we tried to push her hard to succeed in all the stuff she’s done, and so far she accomplished what she set out to do. We’re so proud of her, and we can’t wait to see her play college ball.”