KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
RIO HONDO — With the start of the softball season less than two weeks away, the Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats welcomed some familiar faces as they hosted their first Legends Camp on Saturday.
The camp offered an opportunity for former Lady ’Cats who are playing or have played at the college level to step in and share their knowledge, and give pointers from hitting, fielding and pitching.
The camp was directed by Miranda Martinez, who is playing at Texas A&M International University; Annie and Abbie Alvarado, who are at Sul Ross University; Tianna Sandoval; Alexa Castellanos, who spent time at Sul Ross; and Bianca Cruz, who is at Prairie View A&M.
“I really liked the idea of the camp,” Cruz said. “It gives us older girls a chance to give back to the program and offer them an opportunity to see and learn what we know. We gave them an image on how high school can make a difference down the road.”
Cruz, who played outfield for the Lady ’Cats, offered some insight on different outfield drills she has learned during the past few months.
“I showed them a lot of different techniques in the outfield, and I’m playing left field now,” Cruz said. “So I’ve learned a few new things, and I was able to share it with the girls today.”
Both Martinez and Annie Alvarado made their careers in the circle while at Rio Hondo. Annie Alvarado also spent time in the middle infield and had plenty to share.
The message was clear, and that was for the current Lady ’Cats to stay hungry and that anything is possible.
“Today I wanted the girls to know that anything is possible,” Annie Alvarado said. “Last year we had a miracle season, not a lot of people believed in us and didn’t think we could go as far as we did. This year there is plenty of talent and some of them were with us last year, so they know and understand the expectation. It was great to be back home and giving back. I still can’t believe I’m out of high school.”
Martinez who graduated in 2017, was a part of the regional final team, has been away for two years but was excited to give back.
“It is a great feeling, being able to share what I have learned while being away from home,” Martinez said. “There are different adjustments you have to make, and being able to share it with the girls is great. My message to them was to just work hard, and time management, that is very important when you get to college. It is hard to manage your classes and softball and traveling on the road. It’s important to balance it and use your time wisely.”