By Celeste Vargas
“Historical” is the best word to describe the UIW softball team based on their season last year. Between having a record of 34 wins and excelling in every statistical category, the UIW women cardinals made a name for themselves once again.
One of the many achievements that the softball team had achieved last season was when it came time for the Southland All-Conference decisions to come out. The Cardinals broke their own record by having five players nominated to the Southland All-Conference Team. One player, Victoria Altamirano, was named Southland Conference Player of the Year and earned first-team honors.
With the success of last season, the players have developed a stronger mindset. Utility player No. 19, Victoria Altamirano, said, “I would say we came back with more confidence. I mean, last year we were really underestimated. We were kind of the underdogs. So, this year, just having the success we had last year, I feel like a lot more is expected of us, and we expect a lot more from each other. I just feel like we are playing with a new type of confidence.”
The Cardinals not only want to continue their success from last season but also continue to succeed as a team. Outfielder No. 12 Jillian Gutierrez said, “Keeping each other accountable. Yes, we are teammates, but we are also friends, so it is easy to work with your friends, it is easy to play with your friends. We are having a great time out here, so it is fun to do.”
In a conversation about the development of women’s sports and how they strive to inspire other girls to keep playing the sport they love, Altamirano said, “I do believe it has come a long way. Like the WNBA, people are putting a lot more attention into that. Softball is getting more recognition, too. Just thinking about when we were once little girls and trying to show them what we can start from since we were little to this age. Just showing them that anything is possible.” Gutierrez added, “It has grown so much. I think after some games, we sign balls for little girls, and it just means more when we see that. We’re not just playing for ourselves; we’re playing for the name on our back, the number, and our school. To represent everything and be a female athlete is pretty amazing.” Inspiring words from inspiring athletes who have paved the way for women’s softball at UIW. “We are grinders,” Gutierrez said.
These players have worked hard and come a long way, but they couldn’t have done it alone. They had their coach by their side the entire journey. Coach Kimberly Dean has been the head coach for the UIW softball team since 2021. She has been with the team through both high and low moments and continues to lead the team toward more success. When asked about this current season she said, “We have a new standard. We have new expectations. You are never chasing a previous year; you are always just trying to continue to grow from it. We understand that we have a new standard, a new expectation, where there is no set number we are trying to win. There is the concept that we are a good team, and we want people to respect us and know that nothing we did was a fluke.”
Continue to support our lady cardinals during this softball season by attending the next home game on March 21st at 3pm against Stephen F. Austin.
To find out more about UIW softball, please click here.
