Garza signs with Clarendon College

Regina Garza and parents Frances and Rene.

Another Natalia Lady Mustang is College Bound and taking her softball career to the next level. Recent graduate, Regina Garza signed her letter of intent at the end of the 2017 school year and will be joining the Lady Bulldog Softball (NJCAA) program in Clarendon, Texas.
A look back at her accomplished high school career
Regina Garza was not only a stand-out on the softball field, but she also participated in varsity volleyball, basketball, and track, as well as powerlifting. If you re-call, the 2017 powerlifting season was a first for this senior, but it didn’t slow her down from winning a 3A state title in Waco.
Looking at her overall accolades during her high school career, Garza received all-district honors and was a four year letterman in volleyball, basketball, an area qualifier and 4 year letterman in track, as well as a regional and state champion in powerlifting. She also was a cheerleader her 11th and 12th grade years for Natalia High School.
The small but mighty young lady was a 2nd baseman on the Natalia Softball team from her freshman to her senior season. She earned 1st team All-District as a freshman, 2nd team All-District her 10th and 11th grade seasons and 1st team Utility her senior season. She was also a TSWA All-State honorable mention team member in 2014 and was a member of the 2014 squad that made history going to Natalia’s first ever Regional Final Softball game where they fell to Samantha Show’s East Bernard.
Looking at stats from her senior season, Garza played in 29 games and finished with a batting average of .389 with an on base percentage of .476. She finished with 35 hits, 7 RBIS, and 33 runs scored.
According to combined stats from her sophomore-senior season, she finished with a .394 batting average with a .490 on base percentage. She also finished with 95 hits, 53 RBIs and 95 runs scored.
“Regina has been a huge part of our success in Natalia over the past four seasons,” Natalia Head Softball Coach Travis Crowley said. “Her athletic ability has helped us by being able to play her in multiple positions and not miss a beat. Her speed caused a lot of problems for opponents and put a ton of pressure on them which turned routine plays into much tougher plays. I am extremely proud of her and for her accomplishments and I am excited to see what she can do at the next level.”
Headed to the Panhandle
Garza will be traveling 480+ miles to the panhandle of Texas to compete with the Clarendon Jr. College Lady Bulldog Softball program in August. Garza was asked why she chose Clarendon College and she had the following to say:
“Before my senior year started, I had attended numerous showcases and it seemed like each one I went to, Clarendon College was always there,” Garza said. “They invited me to a tryout and I instantly fell in love with their coaching staff.”
According to Garza, when she attended a workout she also felt a connection during the drills they put her through.
“One of their infield coaches came up to me and said she would love for me to play for their program,” Garza said. “Right then and there, I knew this is where I wanted to be and it was exactly what I was looking for in terms of the size of the town and college.”
The Lady Bulldogs compete against numerous junior colleges across the state in conference play which include: Odessa College, Midland College, Howard College (Big Spring, Texas), El Paso Community College, Luna Community College (LasVegas, New Mexico), Western Texas and Frank Phillips Community College (Borger, Texas).
“I would like to thank my family for always supporting me in everything I do,” Garza said. “It really means a lot, because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would also like to thank my parents for giving me an opportunity to attend the college showcases which afforded me this new opportunity.”
Regina is the daughter of Rene and Frances Garza of Natalia and the sister to Rene Garza Jr., Irene Garza and John Garza.
By Eric Smith
Staff Writer