Three Lady Lions Sign with Howard Payne and Hardin-Simmons

Three Brownwood High School Lady Lion Softball players signed to play collegiate softball with Howard Payne University and Hardin Simmons University Wednesday afternoon.

Natalie DelaTorre and Sydnie Darden signed with Abilene’s Hardin-Simmons University while Larissa Salazar signed with her hometown university of Howard Payne.

Both DelaTorre and Darden have been playing ball together since they were little, playing T-ball and even boys little league, and have had a great friendship which they will carry with them as teammates at HSU. DelaTorre looks forward to playing shortstop and Darden is looking forward to the outfield with HSU. Both stated they are excited to play at HSU and continue their softball careers, but most important, they wanted to thank Coach Wolfe who was a big influence in their lives.

“We played T-ball with Coach Wolfe’s daughter and he taught us a bunch, got us into the select league, and most of all taught me to catch,” said DelaTorre. “He and Coach Myers really put a lot of effort in showcasing us to get where we are (heading into collegiate softball).”

Salazar has also been playing ball since she was around 5 years-old, stating that her dad and brother taught her and really influenced her skills. She considered Hardin-Simmons but felt that Howard Payne was the place for her. She is looking forward to playing again with some of the HPU softball players that she knew as teammates at BHS.

All three athletes were credited by their coaches as being not only good athletes, but good students and good people as well.

“This is what it is all about, these girls have all worked hard,” said Director of Girls Athletics Coach Don Hood. “They are the total package. They are good athletes and good students.”

All three have earned dual credit hours during their high school years. Darden enters with 11 hours, Salazar has 20 hours, and DelaTorre will enter college with 31. Darden and DelaTorre plan to study physical therapy and coaching while Salazar intends to become a pharmacist.

“I’m excited for them. I think they deserve this,” said Head Softball Coach Amanda Sheffield. “They have all done a lot for our program, established a lot of tradition here, it couldn’t go to a better three.”

Coach Hood was excited for the girls as they are choosing to attend Christian universities, stating that this says a lot about who they are and a lot about their parents. He also expressed how much they have meant to Brownwood High School.

“There’s no way to measure what you’ve meant to this program. We have five seniors going somewhere from this program. You girls are tremendous, your attitudes and who you are will be greatly missed next year,” said Coach Hood. “I hope you will be as much of an influence on these schools as they will be on you.”

Sheffield and the other coaches wished the three well in their collegiate careers.

“We’re excited for you. We’ll be praying for you and so will the team,” said Sheffield. “Thank you for everything you have done for this program and the team.”

Natalie DelaTorre is the daughter of Luis and Victoria DelaTorre. Sydnie Darden is the daughter of Scott and Donna Darden. Larissa Salazar is the daughter of Sal and Maria Salazar.

Pictured above (left to right) are DelaTorre, Salazar and Darden.

Below are additional photos of the signing event.