By EDWARD SEVERN, Special to RGVSports.com
LOS FRESNOS — A sponge is what one speaker described Sophie Varela as during her signing ceremony Thursday.
The gritty right-fielder will be taking her yearning for softball to the next level, signing with Lyon College. The NAIA school is located in Batesville, Ark., a long way from deep South Texas.
Varela is the definition of a student-athlete. The all-district honorable mention outfielder has also received accolades for her studious prowess and plans to choose pre-physical therapy as her major.
“Arkansas is beautiful, there is actual fall and seasons, it was really nice, a beautiful campus,” Varela said. “The coach is great, she is nice, they are building a great culture there and have recruited the right girls to make an impact.
Said Los Fresnos softball coach Jesse Garza, “It is exciting for us, we have two girls signing today. They have amazing work ethic, and they set great examples for the younger players.
Added Sophie’s father, Victor, “I am very proud of her, it was not easy and it never is. This was one of her goals for a very long time. She understands she still has a lot of work to do. I would be proud of any of these girls, this is a great community, but yes, I am extremely proud of my daughter.”
The Lady Falcons went four rounds deep in the playoffs last season. Sophie is excited for the upcoming season as well as continuing to play at the next level.
“Of course I am excited to be able to continue playing softball as well as my education,” she said.