By EDWARD SEVERN, Special to RGVSports.com
LOS FRESNOS — The University of Incarnate Word signed one of the best softball players not just in the Rio Grande Valley, but the state as well.
Victoria Altamirano, the first-team all-state outfielder, signed Thursday with the NCAA Division I program out of San Antonio, joining teammate Sophie Varela a few minutes earlier as another Lady Falcons player in the softball program that has committed to play at the next level.
Hard work was echoed by all that spoke about Altamirano. Her mother, Esther, spoke glowingly of all the work her daughter put in to get to where she is at and thanked youth coaches for pushing her to get better by taking her around the state, competing with travel teams.
As a junior, Victoria competed in an all-star game, going 3-for-3, going toe-to-toe with players that she will compete with at the next level.
“I have always dreamt of going to college, leaving my hometown,” Victoria said. “I am going to miss Los Fresnos a lot, but I am really excited about going to San Antonio. It is close for my family to go to games, but far enough for me to be independent.
“We made history as a team last year, we accomplished a lot, and hopefully we go far again this season.”
Said assistant coach Matt Molina, “We are very proud of Victoria signing. We have a really good group of girls right now that are really talented and really deserving.
“Victoria is the epitome of what happens when talent and hard work are put together. She is very talented and she did not squander it. As a coach you love to see that,” he added.