SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – University of the Incarnate Word softball coach Mandee Gamboa announced the addition of eight players during the early signing period on Tuesday.

"This year's signing group will bring a lot of power into our lineup," said Gamboa. "Since the majority of our infield will be graduating, we will be losing a lot of depth in our program. I feel confident that these young individuals will step up into the needed roles. They have the knowledge of the game and the competitive edge needed to excel. Their love for the UIW softball program is already deeply rooted. They are a great freshman group and we have really high hopes for them coming in our program. We have high expectations for this group in the Southland Conference."

Emily Castro is a 5-2 second baseman from San Antonio, TX where she plays at Somerset High School.  She earned first team all-district honors last year and helped lead her team to district and bi-district titles.  She plans to study biology.  "Emily is a hard worker, on and off the diamond. She gives her full attention to her love of softball and her academics. She is a great second baseman. We are excited that she will be able to fill multiple roles on our team," stated Gamboa.

Georgina Gonzales is a 5-3 third baseman from Kingwood, TX where she plays for Kingwood High School.  She was a second team all-district player last year.  She plans to study education with a minor in criminal justice.  "Georgie is a strong third baseman. She has a hot stick and puts the ball in the gaps. We are looking for her to be dynamic in our lineup," said Gamboa.

Miranda Gonzales is a 5-4 corner infielder from San Antonio's Southwest High School.  She has helped the team go 90-31 over the past three seasons.  She was honorable mention all-District 28-6A last year and all-District 28-5A in 2014.  She led the team in batting average as a junior at .394 with 36 RBI's and hit .345 with 32 RBI's as a sophomore.  She has started on a two district and bi-district championship teams.  She plans to studying business and sports management.  "Miranda is another San Antonio standout who is attending Southwest HS.  She has great power at the plate which in turn will heat up our lineup.  In 2015, she had nine homeruns," said Gamboa.

Ana Hinojosa is a 5-7 corner infielder and catcher from Robstown, TX where she attends Tuloso-Midway High School.  She has hit over .500 in each of her three seasons while leading the team to the playoffs.  As a freshman, she earned second team all-district honors at third base.  In 2014, she was a first team all-district and second team All-South Texas first baseman.  Last season, she took home first team all-district and All-South Texas honors at first base.  She has been on the South Texas Preseason Large School All-Star team each of the past two years.  She is a three-time academic all-district selection.  She plans to study business with a minor in rehabilitative sciences.  "Ana will bring her great personality to the UIW Softball program. She is amazing at playing the corners (1^st and 3^rd) and being a catcher.  Ana has a lot of potential at the plate.  Fans are going to love the way she swings her bat," said Gamboa.

Marcela Lopez is a 5-0 outfielder from Wichita Falls, TX where she attends Wichita Falls High School.  She has been a three-time first team all-district pick.  She was the Red River Diamond of Dozen outfielder of the year last year and the sophomore of the year in 2014.  She is a two-time academic all-district pick was earned academic all-State honors last year.  She plans to study health professions.  "UIW fans are going to be impressed with Marcela's quickness.  She will be one of the quickest in our program.  Marcela has a great short game which will cause havoc on our opponents.  She has impressive range in the outfield," said Gamboa.

Jaylin Olivarez is a 5-2 utility player from Corpus Christi, TX where she attends Mary Carroll High School.  She was a second team all-district pick as a freshman and then last year she earned first team all-district and All-South Texas honors.  She led the team to a district title in 2015 and back-to-back appearances in the regional quarterfinals.  She plans to study biology.  "Jaylin can put the ball anywhere.  She has great hands defensively she makes plays look smooth.  Her strong competitive nature will show you that she means business.  We are excited to see her potential grow," said Gamboa.

Bailey Thomas is a corner infielder from Alvin, TX and attends Alvin High School.  She has been honorable mention all-district each of her first three seasons.  As a junior, her team finished as the District 22-6A runner-ups, but then won the bi-district and Area before losing in the regional semifinals.  The team has been bi-district champions all three years she has played.  She plans to study physical therapy.  "Bailey is so versatile that she will be able to play as a utility player for us. She is a great third baseman and middle infielder.  Her love of the game shows on the field and you see the passion when she plays," said Gamboa.

Joanna Valencia is a 5-3 pitcher from Schertz, TX and attends Clemens High School.  She was a first team all-district pitcher as a junior and was second team as a sophomore.  She had over 100 strikeouts in the circle last season.  She is a two-time academic all-district choice.  She plans to study physical therapy.  "JoJo is our first lefty pitcher since I have coached here. We are definitely looking forward to her bringing something different to our pitching circle. She is not new to UIW family, her mom graduated from UIW in 1994," said Gamboa.  
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