OLLU Softball Announces 2023-2024 Freshmen Class

SAN ANTONIO (July 26, 2023) – The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) softball team welcomes 10 freshmen to its 2023-2024 squad.

Joining the team in August 2023 are Micaela Aguilar, Reanna Aguirre, Katalina Alvarado, Lexie Escamilla, Peyton Farris, Ava Hernandez, Jocelyn Perez, Tania Rodriguez, Laila Vega and Celina Wilharm.

Head Coach Bruce Lenington commented, "I am very happy to welcome our largest group of freshmen to the softball program in the five years that I've been the head coach.  Each holds the potential to help us continue the championship legacy that has come before them.  I am excited to see them each grow as they achieve their various degrees here at the Lake."

Micaela Aguilar comes to OLLU from El Paso, Texas, where she graduated from Americas High School. Her awards include: Second Team All-District (sophomore), First Team All-District (junior/senior), First Team All-District (junior/senior) and Final Four State Qualifier (junior). The utility player plans to major in biology. Aguilar commented, "Choosing OLLU was a no brainer. When I came to visit Coach Bruce and the softball team last fall, it was clear that the women and coaches work hard. They're a huge family. It's easy to see the women care about each other on and off the field. They have the same goal, and they all give it their 110%. I have had a passion for this game for a long time, and I can't wait to be able to contribute and continue to play hard with OLLU." 

Reanna Aguirre is a native of Portland, Texas, where she graduated from Gregory Portland High School. She earned First-Team All-District as an outfielder. She plans to major in biology. She said, "The reason I chose OLLU was because of the chemistry both the coaches and players have with one another. It felt so much like a family, and that helped them create a successful program." 

Katalina Alvarado is from San Antonio, where she graduated from South San High School. She was named Second Team All-District. The catcher/third baseman plans to major in kinesiology. She commented, "I've decided to come play for OLLU because I believe this school can help me grow as a person as well as an athlete. I know the positive environment/community OLLU has will help me achieve the goals I have for myself, both in an athletic and academic way."

Lexie Escamilla, who comes from Weslaco, Texas, is a graduate of Weslaco High School. The utility player is a two-time First Team All-District shortstop, First Team All-District centerfielder, A/B Honor Roll recipient and Two-Time First Team Academic All-State honoree. She plans to major in education. Escamilla said, "I chose Our Lady of the Lake University because of how involved the coaches are with their players and how great and put together the program is. I love how as a team they all care about each other and work together to reach the goal that they have in mind."

Peyton Farris is a native of El Paso, Texas, where she graduated from Pebble Hills High School. Her awards include Top 10 percent all four years, softball captain, All-Academic and First Team All-District sophomore and junior year and First Team All-City junior year. She plans to major in biology. Farris said, "I chose OLLU because I fell in love with the culture, faith-based campus, people and team environment. It felt like I was a part of the OLLU family right when I stepped on campus."

Ava Hernandez, who is from Alice, Texas, is a graduate of Alice High School. The pitcher was in the top 10 all four years, Defensive MVP and All-South Texas utility. She plans to major in biology. She said, "After seeing the success Coach Bruce and his team brought to OLLU, I knew I wanted to be part of his team. The vibes and chemistry around them were amazing. Not only are they a team but also a family. After my visits, I knew OLLU was my home away from home. Wings up!"

Jocelyn Perez is from San Antonio, where she graduated from South San High School. She is a First Team All-District and Academic All-District honoree and was selected to play in the All-Star game. The pitcher/outfielder plans to major in biology and business. Perez said, "My reason for wanting to attend OLLU to play softball is because I felt very welcomed not only by the coaches but by the team at OLLU when I practiced with them and attended their camps. Everyone is very friendly, and I feel it will be a great opportunity and a privilege to be a part of a great program under a great coach and his coaching staff."

Tania Rodriguez is a native of Brownsville, Texas, and is a graduate of Los Fresnos High School. The infielder plans to major in biology. She commented, "I was drawn to OLLU's softball program because of the athletic development and winning culture."

Laila Vega is from Mission, Texas, and is a graduate of La Joya High School. The catcher plans to major in biology. Vega said, "I chose OLLU because of the positive and homey environment the coaches and athletes build. Aside from the brilliant softball program, the academic quality and campus culture are everything I've ever wanted and needed!"

Celina Wilharm comes to OLLU from Benson, Ariz., where she graduated from Benson High School. The infielder plans to major in biology. She commented, "OLLU feels like a home away from home. The team camaraderie is unmatched, and this group of women will grow with me through the next four years of my life through Christ, softball and my education."

The Saints will play a handful of fall games and will begin its official season in the spring. They are the reigning Red River Athletic Conference Regular-Season and Tournament Champions. The women made it to their first-ever NAIA World Series after winning the NAIA Opening Round San Antonio Bracket. Home games will feature live stats and live streaming on the OLLU Saints Network.