HARLINGEN — With the 2020 softball season a few weeks away, Harlingen High senior Zoe Rosas secured her college future.
The senior second baseman signed to play softball at Hesston College in Hesston, Kan.
“This means a lot to me,” Rosas said. “If it wasn’t for my family I wouldn’t be here, especially my brother, because I look up to him. He always gives me advice. Also my coaches and teammates, they always knew how to push me and make me a better player and person.”
Softball is Rosas’ first sport and first love, and she grew up playing travel ball during the offseason. When she wasn’t on the field, Rosas found herself watching college softball and learning more about the game.
That is when Rosas realized she wanted to make that next step in her career.
“I was in middle school, right around sixth grade, my pitching coach and I would always watch college softball together,” she said, “ and I would watch it with my family and I just thought it was cool and I wanted to do that one day.”
On the field, Rosas is a four-year letterman and has been a utility weapon for the Lady Cardinals. She has spent time in the circle, second base and also played some outfield. This year she will play second base and is projected to bat at the top of the order.
Her freshman year, she was named District 32-6A honorable mention at second base. As a sophomore, she was second team all-district at second base, and her junior year she was named 32-6A utility player of the year for the 2019 season and swatted two grand slams.
Hesston College reached out to Rosas while she was playing at a tournament. The staff was intrigued by Rosas’ positive attitude, along with her offense. Shortly afterward, Rosas paid a visit to Hesston and felt it was the right fit.
“Everyone was so nice, and I was able to practice with the team,” Rosas said. “The team took me in and was nice to me, and told me how things were going to be and I felt in love with it there. I’m looking to play outfield or second, but wherever they want to put me I will be ready.”
With the season right around the corner, Rosas feels there is less pressure and is ready for her final season as a Lady Cardinals player.
“This is my last year with this team, and I love these girls,” she said. “I’m just ready to have a great season with them.”
One intangible that caught the eye of first-year coach Josh Silva was Rosas’ work ethic.
“Her work ethic is second to none,” Silva said. “She is an extremely hard worker and she has that multi-sport athlete mentality. She really hustles and as a new coach that is what you want in a player. And she has that leadership quality, and she is just a hard worker. That is her best quality.”
