When the All-Valley Player of the Year Award was decided upon, there was only one clear choice on everybody’s mind: Crystal Castillo.
San Benito’s ace guided the Lady Greyhounds into the UIL 6A state playoffs in Austin for the second time in school history and registered a 30-4 season record.
Also for the second straight year, Castillo took home the All-Valley MVP award.
“Last year she got MVP after a great season and we were expecting her to be great but not to have a great of a year as the one she had last year because of how fantastic of a year she had last year,” said San Benito head softball coach Elias Martinez.
“So when it’s all said and done she surpassed what she did last year and it was great for us.”
This year the senior steered the Lady ‘Hounds through a turbulent playoff schedule that included Weslaco East, McAllen Memorial, Laredo LBJ, San Antonio O’Conner and New Braunfels Canyon before heading to Austin where the team came within inches of almost making Rio Grande Valley softball history.
For her efforts Castillo was named RGVSports.com and Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame 6A Girls Athlete of the year and 32-6A MVP, racking up over 300 strikeouts and an ERA of just under 1.
“She did a great job and we couldn’t be more proud of her,” said Martinez. “Pitching is a big part in softball and she played a big part, I can’t say enough good things about her.
“She’s an awesome girl and a great athlete and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
While Castillo continued to shine on the field, her leadership and perseverance showed during the team’s regional final matchup against New Braunfels Canyon when the senior played through the pressure and a painful injury.
“She was a great leader and never let the pressure get to her,” said Martinez. “Crystal is not panicky, she’s relaxed and the girls fed off of that and stayed in control and did what they had to do.
“She wasn’t a vocal leader but she was a leader by example.”