Softball players awarded scholarships

This fall, two star players from the San Jose City College softball program will be attending the University of West Alabama with a full-ride scholarship.

Sophomore catcher Treasure Rodriguez and sophomore utility player Giana Cavallaro will be taking the next step and playing Division II softball at a four-year university.

Rodriguez began playing baseball at the age of six and eventually transitioned into softball. She plans on ending her softball career after graduating from UWA.

“I want to travel the world and then have a family,” Rodriguez said.

She plans on majoring in criminal justice.

“I’d like to have a career as a probation officer,” Rodriguez said.

Cavallaro began playing softball at the age of five. “My grandfather was a professional baseball player,” Cavallaro said. “That’s how I was introduced to the sport.”

Cavallaro is a liberal arts major and hopes to obtain a degree in psychology.

“I would like to work with kids,” Cavallaro said.

Their coach, Debbie Huntze-Rooney, expressed her attachment to the players.

“They’re like family to me,” Huntze-Rooney said. “I’ll miss their personalities.”

On the field, both Rodriguez and Cavallaro are positive contributions to the team. Huntze-Rooney praised both players for their abilities, Rodriguez in particular for her leadership and skills as a batter.

“She gives the team a sense of direction,” Huntze-Rooney said. “She’s also an excellent hitter.”

Cavallaro is recognized as not only a big part of the pitching staff, but a versatile player as well.

“She’s made a huge impact on the mound,” Huntze-Rooney said. “She’s also a great outfielder and just a great all-around player.”

The two players will be moving across the country and facing a completely new atmosphere.

“It’s a great opportunity to experience a whole new world,” Cavallaro said.

Huntze-Rooney said she believes that it will be a great experience for them.

“It’ll be a bit of a culture shock,” Huntze-Rooney said. “But I know they’ll succeed.”