Gilroy
– Amanda Tellez didn’t start out thinking she would leave the
mainland to attend college and play softball.
Gilroy – Amanda Tellez didn’t start out thinking she would leave the mainland to attend college and play softball.
But when the University of Hawaii-Hilo showed the most interest, the Gilroy High senior began to get more excited. And once she got her academics in order, Tellez realized she could get a scholarship to pay for half of her education.
The Vulcans are a Top-25-ranked Division II team. While Tellez knows she will be heading to Hilo without any guarantees, she knows the school is starting a senior at third base and is looking forward to the challenge.
“I am really excited,” Tellez said. “I’ve only been there once to visit. I met their coach (Callen Perreira) while I was playing travel ball in a tournament in Las Vegas. He kept in touch and watched me at a couple of tournaments.”
Gilroy High coach Catherine Hallada couldn’t be happier for her No. 3 hitter, who missed the Central Coast Section playoffs last year because of academic difficulties. Now, Tellez is looking at finishing with a grade point average of better than 3.0, which will qualify her for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program award.
“I wish I had 12 Amanda Tellez’s on my team,” Hallada said. “Her attitude is incredible. Her internal drive, I haven’t seen a whole lot. She’s a motivator. In fact, she motivates me.”
Tellez has been one of the most consistent Mustangs on this year’s 21-7 team. She is hitting .337 with 18 RBIs.
“I can’t ask for much more than what she’s done,” Hallada said. “She always gives 110 percent and always has a positive attitude. And she’s a true team player.”
Tellez said she also looked at San Francisco State University. Perreira, however, was her most persistent suitor. Hawaii-Hilo has six Californians on this year’s roster. The Vulcans enter the NCAA Division II West Regional with a 40-11 record.
“I always wanted to play in college,” Tellez said. “Sure, it would have been nice to play closer to home. But college is college. I’ll have the chances to take courses I need and play softball. It’s an experience I am really looking forward to.”
