Nivea Saenz has been a valuable member of the Odessa High softball team the past three seasons.
Now, with her senior season set to begin in less than two months, she has set her sights on the next level,
Saenz, surrounded by family and in front of teammates, friends and faculty, signed a letter of intent to continue her career at Bethany College Wednesday at the OHS Fieldhouse.
Bethany College is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.
“When I went there, I felt welcomed by the coaches,” Saenz said. “They are very welcoming.”
Saenz will also have a familiar face along for the ride as a teammate from her club team also has signed with the Swedes.
Saenz began her career in the outfield for the Lady Bronchos and moved to first base.
This year she will add pitching to her resume and laughed when telling a story about a conversation during her recruiting trip to Bethany College.
“They asked me what positions I played and I said first base and outfield,” Saenz said. “Then they asked if I pitched and I said no and they laughed because they have video of me pitching.”
Odessa High softball coach Rachel Pena is confident that Saenz can pitch at the next level, having watched her mature and develop multiple pitches she can throw for strikes.
One thing Pena is not worried about is Saenz’s ability to hit.
It’s the main thing that had her in the lineup as a freshman and as she continued to improved, she’s gained the respect of opposing coaches to the point that they will walk her with runners already on base.
“She really has grown as a player and a person and is one of our leaders,” Pena said. “She always shows up, for class and practice, and works hard.
“I’m excited to see what she does in college.”
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