By: Jordan Norwood
The University of the Incarnate Word’s softball team honored its senior class Friday, April 3 with a doubleheader sweep of Houston Christian, capping a day of ceremonies and celebrations for the program’s largest Senior Day in program history.
UIW defeated Houston Christian in both games, extending the festivities beyond the field for 10 seniors: Ava Hernandez, Elly Eckrich, Jasmine Contreras, Jillian Gutierrez, Madison Dorrow, Bella Mitchell, Jasmine Sierra, Samantha Portillo, Dominique Guerra and Victoria Altamirano.
Nearly 190 Family members and friends in attendance participated in a day organized by team parents, led by Vanessa Mitchell, that began with a breakfast and tribute at the McCombs Center Rosenberg Sky Room. Mrs. Mitchell and her team of moms did everything in their power in regard to making this day feel and be as special and memorable for these girls as they could. Players and their families watched a video compiled by relatives, celebrating the seniors’ careers and milestones at breakfast that lead to some emotions, happy ones of course.
The players then surprised their families with a video of their own.
“My favorite part of senior day was that I had all the seniors compile a video thanking our parents and surprised them with it this morning,” Bella Mitchell said. “They were just all crying and sobbing, and that was my favorite part of the day.”
Following breakfast, the team returned to a locker room decorated with a Hollywood theme, complete with a red carpet, posters, balloon displays and personalized decorations for each player leading to the field. Teammates presented the seniors with gift bags filled with their favorite snacks and candy, and handwritten letters.
“It was very Hollywood and movie star-like,” Mitchell said.
Despite the day’s events, UIW remained focused on the field, winning both games in the doubleheader.
After the victories, the seniors were honored individually, families at their side, on the pitching mound by head coach Kimberly Dean. Each player received a framed jersey and was recognized in front of fans, family, and teammates.
The ceremony concluded a day that combined on-field success with a program-wide celebration of the senior class, marking a milestone moment for the players and those who supported them.
