GENTRY, AR - Senior Pioneer Alexis Lopez officially signed to play softball for Crowder College next year during a ceremony Wednesday at Pioneer Gymnasium, continuing her athletic and academic career after graduating from Gentry High School in May. More than 200 people — including her softball teammates and coaches — attended the event.
Lopez, a multi-sport athlete and 4.0 student, has competed in multiple state tournaments and anchors a Pioneer squad with aspirations of a state title this season.
Pioneer softball coach Shawn Teters, who has coached Lopez since she was 12, fought back tears as he described his excitement and admiration for Lopez and her family.
“This is hard for me because it’s almost like the beginning of the end for me with Lex on my team,” he said, noting he also has coached Lopez on a travel softball team whose season ended last week.
Teters said that Lopez’s talents and character extend far beyond the softball field. Known for her playful personality and her ability to “roast” her coach and teammates, he said Lopez brings energy that makes softball — and life — more fun. As her senior year has progressed, though, their conversations have become more serious, focused on life after high school and the opportunities ahead.
After practice Tuesday, Teters said Lopez asked to continue hitting, and they stayed late before sitting together on the field to talk.
“We literally sat on the turf for 15 minutes and talked about her future and all the things that are in front of her,” Teters said. “I’m super thankful for her. She’s like a daughter to me, and her family is like a second family to me. I’m so excited for her and her future, and I know not only is she going to be super successful — she’s going to do it while being genuinely Lex. She is herself, and that’s hard to be sometimes as a high school female athlete.”
Before signing her letter, Lopez thanked the crowd, her teammates, coaches, and family.
“Thank you for seeing something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” she said. “And thank you, Gentry High School, for showing me a community that was great and supportive.”
Athletic Director Brent Hester opened the ceremony by recognizing the significance of any high school athlete earning the opportunity to play at the next level and praised Lopez for her work ethic and commitment.
“This is an exciting day when we get to celebrate an athlete going on to play at the next level,” Hester said. “Crowder is a terrific softball school every year and often sends players on to the next level. It’s a great fit for Alexis.”
Crowder College, a junior college in Neosho, Mo., competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association. Last season, seven Crowder players moved on to NCAA programs, along with two in the past three years who signed with Division I schools. The Roughriders also advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament in Yuma, Ariz., last season.
For now, Lopez still has her senior season – and high school life – ahead of her. The Pioneers open their season March 2 against Fort Smith Southside.