By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Senior shortstop Krystal Gonzales wrapped up a stellar career in a Harlingen South Lady Hawks uniform in 2019.
Gonzales was part of a team that made the playoffs in each of her four seasons, and she made a position change in the process.
The star short stop is the Valley Morning Star’s 2019 ALL-STAR Softball Most Valuable Player.
“ Coach (Elias) Martinez told me I won the award when we were at school,” Gonzales said. “He told me he was proud of me, and it was a special moment for me. The first person I told was my brother. He was on the coaching staff this year, and he has helped me become the player I am today.”
Gonzales is described as a player who just wants the ball in her hands with the game on the line. She proved that time and again throughout her senior season.
Despite South not winning a district title in her time there, Gonzales reached the Sweet 16 twice, including in her senior season. After playing catcher her first two seasons, Gonzales made the move to her natural position, which is shortstop.
Gonzales batted third in a stacked South lineup and anchored the defense. She batted .457 on the season with eight homers, 12 doubles with 49 hits and 58 runs.
Gonzales has had quite the month. The Lady Hawks’ playoff run was followed with Gonzales signing to play softball at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, and then graduation.
“ This wrapped up my high school career and now I have to get ready for the college level, so I’ll see what is in store for me,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales will head to Austin in the fall but has left a legacy and winning tradition at Harlingen South.
“ I feel like with the girls we have here at South, someone will always step up,” Gonzales said. “Everyone will have their role and each one of them is special, and I think they will be fine in the future.”
2019 ALL-STAR SOFTBALL TEAM
Most Valuable Player
Krystal Gonzales, Harlingen South
Offensive player of the year
Jordan Ramos, San Benito
Defensive Player of the Year
Domo De Jesus, Rio Hondo
Pitcher of the year
Erika Cortez, Rio Hondo
Newcomer of the year
Iliana Saucedo, Harlingen South
Coach of the year
Brett Esparza, Rio Hondo
First Team
1B: Alyssa Ledesma, Harlingen South
2B: Kelsey Rivera, Harlignen South
SS: April Garcia, San Benito
3B: Rachel Muniz, Raymondville
OF: Kytana Muniz, Harlingen South
OF: Natasha Canales, Harlingen South
OF: AJ Jasso, , San Benito
Catcher: Jessica Cruz, Lyford
Pitcher: Nana Carrizales, San Benito
Designated Player: Jaeyln Huerta, San Benito
Second Team
1B: Karla Medina, Lyford
2B: Sarah Garcia, San Benito
SS Kelsey Pizarro, Rio Hondo
3B Alexa Saucedo, Harlingen South
OF: Kate Garza, San Benito
OF: Savanna Gonzalez, Rio Hondo
OF: Kayla Rogers, Harlingen South
Catcher: Abbie Torris, Rio Hondo
Pitcher: Jerrica Rojas, Lyford
Honorable Mention
Eneli Garza, La Feria
Faith Mckenzie, La Feria
Zoe Rosas, Harlingen High
Emily Garcia, Harlingen High
Nayeli Garcia, Rio Hondo
Christina Arellano, Harlingen South
Kari Cisneros, San Benito
Kylie Ruiz, Harlingen South
Megan Cavazos, San Benito