“Binky” is headed to Eastern Arizona College to play softball

DEMING – Bianca Valverde stood diminutive in dimension however casts a big shadow within the batter’s field throughout her highschool softball profession at Deming Excessive. Japanese Arizona School in Thatcher, AZ acknowledged this and provided the senior Girl ‘Cat a shot at enjoying on the subsequent stage.

Valverde bid farewell to the Girl ‘Cat program as a four-year varsity letter and two-time All-District 3-5A choice, second-team all-state. She was voted the staff most dear participant this season. “It’s unhappy leaving my teammates,” Valverde advised the Headlight. “We’ve been enjoying collectively since journey ball. Valverde is certainly one of six seniors that may depart the varsity program this 12 months. All of them got here up via the journey ball expertise with the Li’l Cats touring staff.

Valverde stepped into the leadoff position as a freshman and by no means let up. She led the staff every year in on-base proportion (.609 in 2022), was among the many staff leaders in hits (34 in 2022), slugging proportion, walks, stolen bases, and extra-base hits.

“I thought of this chance quite a bit. At first, I wasn’t positive this was what I needed, however now I can see it as a enjoyable expertise and a chance to proceed my schooling,” Valverde defined.

She was invited to a two-hour exercise with the EAC Gila Monsters this season and that was all of the EAC teaching employees wanted to deliver Valverde again.

The Girl ‘Cats rolled via am 11-14 total season in 2022 and had been 7-11 within the extremely aggressive District 3-5A.

The Gila Monsters had been 34-10 in ACCAC (Arizona Group School Athletic Convention) play and 43-14 total. They reached the area II semifinals the place they misplaced to Yavapai 10-5.

Valverde performs a stable left area and is taken into account by many the quintessential lead-off batter. “She makes issues occur in the best route,” mentioned former DHS Softball Coach Noel Nunez. “She is a rally starter.”

On Thursday, Valverde signed a letter of dedication to play softball at EAC. Her mother and father, DHS athletic director, assistant coach Ricky Baca, and coach Gary Galindo had been current for the signing. A boisterous crowd of Girl ‘Cat teammates and college students had been additionally current for the signing.

“It’s good to know that Bianca will likely be enjoying softball on the subsequent stage and shut sufficient for her followers and household to see her play,” mentioned Bernie Chavez, DHS Athletic/Actions Director.

EAC is a two-year college and Valverde can see a future which will embody transferring right into a four-year program in her remaining two years. She is undecided in a profession path.

“I need to thank my dad for teaching me within the yard since I used to be a younger lady and to my mother for her help and pushing to succeed and keep humble,” Valverde mentioned.

She is the daughter of Yvonne and Mike Valverde.

Invoice Armendariz will be reached at 575-546-2611 (depart a message) or biarmendariz@demingheadlight.com.