By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
One of the most decorated members of the Del Rio Queens softball program is ready to spread her wings and fly for the McMurry Warhawks.
Hope Martinez, a recent graduate of Del Rio High School, has signed a letter of intent to play softball for McMurry University, an NCAA Division III school that competes as a member of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. McMurry is located in Abilene.
Martinez was a four-year starter for the Queens, beginning her career as a catcher. She played the position for three years before moving to third base her senior year. She was a District 30-6A All-District First Team selection at third base. Academically, Martinez was just as strong, earning an honorable mention to the Texas High School Coaches Association’s Softball Academic All-State team.
Known as “Hopie” by friends, family and teammates, Martinez was also named the Queens co-Offensive Player of the Year, along with Miamor Salazar, and earned the Ms. 400 award for achieving a batting average above .400 for the season.
Joined by friends and family including her mother Laura, father Vince, sister Briana Rivera, and her boyfriend Aidan Fernandez, Martinez took the opportunity to thank those people who made her accomplishments possible.
“Today is a day filled with excitement, gratitude and reflection. Standing here, I am filled with immense pride as I announce my commitment to McMurry University to continue to my academic education and my journey in collegiate softball,” Martinez said. “This is a moment that signifies the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and support from so many incredible people in my life. There have been many ups and downs, moments of doubt and tears shed along this journey but through it all I’ve grown stronger, more resilient and more determined.”
Martinez’s life has revolved around softball not only as a member of the Queens, but through a nearly-year-round dedication to travel softball. She pointed out the countless long rides traveling to and from tournaments, the thousands of balls she hit with her father and endless reps at the plate, but she said each one of those parts led her to the accomplishment of her dreams.
The one constant for Martinez, as she pointed out, was the support of her parents and her siblings, including her brother Brian who could not attend the ceremony.
“I wouldn’t be here without the many sacrifices my parents have made. Mom … you have been my academic anchor, always making sure I stay on top of my grades, reminding me that my education is just as important as my passion for softball. I now understand the reason why you were so strict with me and why you always insisted I kept a high GPA. I will forever be grateful and appreciative for all you’ve done. Thank you, mom.
“Dad, you’ve been my lifelong coach, my mentor and my biggest supporter on and off the field. I couldn’t have asked for a better coach and father. Your belief in me has been the cornerstone of my success and for that I’m forever grateful.
“To my brother and sister Brian and Briana … thank you for always being here to cheer me on, no matter how busy your own lives might be. Your presence and support at my games have meant the world to me.
“To my friends and teammates, thank you for encouraging me and always being there through the highs and lows. Your support has been invaluable and I’m lucky to have such an amazing group of people in my life,” Martinez said.
Martinez wrapped up her remarks by thanking a variety of her coaches from her first travel ball coach, Coach Ernest, to current Queens head softball coach Al Soto who taught Martinez to catch, a position she was unfamiliar with before joining the Queens, to her favorite travel ball coach, Coach Vic. She even thanked David McNally, head softball coach at McMurry, for taking a chance on her.
“I am eager for the memories and experiences that await me. Thank you everyone that has been a part of my journey. Your support, love, and belief in me has made this day possible. Here’s to the next chapter and to all the incredible opportunities and adventures that lie ahead. Mom and dad, we made it. Go Warhawks!” Martinez concluded.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
