Valley Star

Issue date: 4/27/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Greg Burmann Greg Burmann / Valley Star Photo Illustration INSIDE OUT - Sophomore Amanda Salazar plays right field and rounds out the talented Monarch pitching staff which includes Pauline Marquicho. (not a real website)

On the surface, sophomore Amanda Salazar is intimidating. The 5-foot-2 Lady Monarch doesn't walk around with a smile on her face, but with a look like she's ready to fight. Only after getting to know Salazar, does one quickly realize that she easily makes friends.

"I don't mean to be intimidating," said Salazar, a sociology major. "I get that a lot actually...it's just a first impression though. Once you get to know me, you'll quickly realize that I'm a pretty nice girl."

The outfielder/pitcher has helped the Lady Monarchs to a 13-7 Western State Conference record and a 24-9-1 record overall. She is batting .423 with four homeruns and 10 stolen bases. Salazar, along with her teammates, is hoping that record is good enough to make the conference playoffs.

Although teammates say that Salazar is friendly once you get to know her, some might say her scowl might help with her future plans.

"I want to be a homicide detective," Salazar said. "Gosh, I was always into those 'Law and Order' shows and I want to help people out."

Softball Head Coach Frankie Garcia said Salazar is a vital part of the season and her teammates recognize it.

"She's most definitely a leader on this team," said sophomore catcher Lorena Arreguin, whose played with Salazar on travel teams. "We do a great job working together as leaders...She might be the smallest player on the team, but she plays one of the biggest roles on our team."

Coach Garcia said that Salazar has become a liaison between the players and her.

"Other players on the team go to her when they want to ask me questions," said a laughing Garcia.

A four-year starter at Monroe High School, Salazar explains that she has embraced her role as a leader.

"When [Garcia] first recruited me, she told me that I was going to be a leader," Salazar said. "I didn't understand what she meant at the time, but now I do."

Salazar states that she is willing to do anything on the field to help the Lady Monarchs succeed. Even if that means playing two positions.

The sophomore is looking to transfer to a university and hopes to continue playing softball at the NCAA level. She also has plans to join the police academy after college.

"Boy, if I had my wish she would come back [to Valley College] after finishing school to coach," Garcia said. "We need some good strong woman coaches, and she'll be one of them."

Garcia said that Salazar could take her job after Garcia retired.

"It would be a great honor to follow her footsteps and coach." Salazar said.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools