By EDWARD SEVERN, Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Concordia University in Austin signed one of the best defensive softball players in the East Valley.
Harlingen High Lady Cardinals shortstop Alexa Perez will join the NCAA Division III team after lettering every year so far during her high school career.
“The main thing I love about softball is defense,” Perez said. “I loved Concordia since I first saw it. It literally feels like home.”
Lady Cardinals softball coach Kevin Ledesma spoke glowingly about his captain’s work ethic. He and Perez’s family said Perez reaching her goal of playing at the next level is no surprise.
“We are extremely proud of Alexa, from all the hard work at 4 years old until now at 18 years old,” said Alexa’s father, Hector. “All the work that she has done on the field and off the field as well. Being an example of (a) Christian leader as well, and she is going to a Christian school as well. All the glory to God. We are blessed.”
Said Alexa’s mother, April: “I feel like this was already spoken over so many years ago when she was little. We are super proud and grateful of the opportunity from Concordia. I know she will make a name for herself at Concordia.”
The senior is looking forward to her last season on the softball team. Despite not making the playoffs last season, Alexa Perez is optimistic because the team will be returning plenty of talent, including eight seniors.
For now, she is reveling in the success she has earned and now has an eye on her future as a college softball player.
“I feel so blessed,” she said. “I have been praying for this moment since I was a freshman. Not a lot of girls get the opportunity to play after high school, so I am just grateful for the opportunity.”