Melanie Morelos is in love.
She knew the first time she laid her eyes on it – the instant infatuation was hard to resist. So much so that the senior catcher for the Gilroy High softball team is going to pack her bags and move.
“I went on an official visit and absolutely loved it out there,” Morelos said. “I decided a few weeks later that I wanted to go there.”
Morelos, who is hitting at a .333 clip with 20 RBI for the 17-3 Mustangs so far this season, officially made public her intentions, in front of family, friends and teammates, and signed the proper documents last Wednesday to play for the University of Hawaii at Hilo next year.
“I really got along with the girls. I really like the coach and the way she coaches,” Morelos said with a coy grin.
That grin rarely ceased when she described what the moment meant for her.
“I’ve worked hard for this. It’s something that I’ve wanted since I was about 10 – to play in college,” she said. “I worked hard and it paid off.”
Morelos’ work ethic is evidence even when receiving warm-up pitches.
If a ball manages to scoot under her glove her body language displays the displeasure.
It’s also a work ethic that led to Morelos catching the eye of Vulcans’ manager Jaime Wallin at a summer showcase tournament in Colorado last year, Morelos said.
“I’m ready to experience college and play softball, study hard and find something I want to do for the rest of my life,” Morelos added.
The senior said she plans on majoring in sociology with a minor in psychology. Hawaii-Hilo is a Division II school and is a member of the Pacific West Conference.
Sharing in the signing moment was teammate Stephanie Rodriguez, who also solidified her next stop to the enjoyment of everyone in attendance Wednesday afternoon.
Rodriguez, who moved from third base to shortstop this season, and occupies the versatility demanding two slot in the Mustangs’ lineup, is headed to William Jessup University in Rocklin.
Wednesday was the second such ceremony in less than a week for the pint-sized speedster. Rodriguez spent the previous weekend on the Jessup campus finalizing all the details.
“It was exciting,” she said, her eyes gazing off to the left as she searched for the right words. “I was really nervous but anxious to do it already. I think being able to play still (is the most exciting part). I’m ready to start over and do all of this over again.”
Out of the second slot, Rodriguez is hitting .365 this season with 15 runs scored. In the field, the shortstop is banking a .860 fielding percentage at one of the more active positions on a softball diamond.
Like Morelos, Rodriguez received notice at a tournament.
“They found me,” Rodriguez said. “I was playing at tournament close to the school and (manager Jessica Pistole) saw me and really liked me.
“She made an offer and I couldnt pass it up. It’s really small. That’s kind of one of the reasons why I like it, though. It fits me perfect because I didn’t want to go to a big school.”
William Jessup has 750 students enrolled this school year. The athletics program (NAIA) is a member of the California Pacific Conference.
GHS manager Julie Berggren said the two players did the right thing by taking their time to decide where the right place was for them and their different personalities.
“I can’t say enough about those girls,” Berggren said. “All of their hard work from Little league to travel ball and here at the high school level.
“I think each of them has picked a really good program and really good school that fits each of them.”
Morelos and Rodriguez are the second and third seniors on the GHS squad to sign. Pitcher Sarah Lorraine Lira, committed to St. Mary’s in November.
Lindsay Holt will sign her letter of intent this week to play for Chapman. More on that story in Friday’s Dispatch.
