KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN—Senior shortstop Krystal Gonzales wrapped up a successful four-year run in a Lady Hawk uniform.
Now, after being the catalyst for Harlingen South this past season, Gonzales will take the next step on the field as a true shortstop after signing with Huston-Tillotson University in Austin.
“It was a small environment and when I got there coach Rodriguez told me there is a lot of 1-on-1 because it is a small private school and that is what I was looking for,” Gonzales said. “Coach Rodriguez told me I would be playing shortstop, so when she gave me that offer it was one that I couldn’t refuse, I love doing what I do at the shortstop position.”
With the Lady Hawks season ending earlier this week and Gonzales set to graduate, there were plenty of feelings when Gonzales put pen to paper.
“My emotions are a little all over the place right now,” she said. “I was hoping to graduate on the field, but that didn’t work out. But I’m just happy to be able to graduate with my class. I’m excited to be signing and to see all my family and friends here. Some of my family I hadn’t seen in a while because of the season, but I’m ready to get back on the field.”
On the current roster, there are eight former Rio Grande Valley athletes, with the most notable being former Weslaco Lady Panther Taylor Tafolla.
Gonzales has some familiarity with Tafolla through travel ball and during the regular season.
“My Kaos coach helped me in the recruiting process and he helped me get noticed by coach Roxanne Rodriguez and he has been a real big help in my life right now.” Gonzales said.
On the field, Gonzales reached the playoffs in each of her four seasons. As a sophomore, she helped South reach the Sweet 16 and in her junior year, the Lady Hawks reached the third round. This year, Harlingen South went 32-8 and reached the Sweet 16 for the second time in three years.
Gonzales batted a team-high .480, was second on the team in hits with 49, second on the team with eight homers and led the club in runs with 58.
“The past four years that we have had her she has matured so much,” said South head coach Elias Martinez. “She has helped our program to get to where we are now, making the sweet 16 and that is a big accomplishment to her and this senior class. We are going to miss her and she has left her mark here. She will forever be remembered here at Harlingen South.”