Dec. 14, 2001
SAN DIEGO- San Diego State softball head coach Kathy Van Wyk announced the signing of four athletes for the 2003 season. Bree Boyer of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Bianca Cruz of Phoenix, Ariz., will help at middle infield, while Deanna Richards of Visalia, Calif., and Celena Velasquez of Tucson, Ariz., look to contribute on the mound.
"We are very excited to have these four join the team," said Van Wyk. "I will look for this group to provide depth and a spark during the 2003 season."
Boyer is a senior at Marina High School. She plays second base and outfield for the Vikings. As a freshman, Boyer was named second team all-sunset league and received the coach's award. As a sophomore and junior, Boyer was first team all-sunset league and named MVP as a junior. Other accolades include all-tournament team honors at the Woodbridge Tournament, Foothill Tournament and Fountain Valley Tournament. As a member of the Marina team, Boyer helped the Vikings to Sunset League Champions in 1999 and 2000. Boyer is also a forward on her field hockey team.
Cruz is a senior at Cactus High School in Phoenix, Ariz. She was named first team all-region shortstop and player of the year in 2000, as well as second team all-state and currently holds the record at Cactus for doubles in a career. She is currently in her second year as team captain. Cruz is also an outside hitter on her volleyball team and forward on the basketball team.
Richards is a senior at Redwood High School in Visalia, Calif. The Rangers of Redwood won the 1999 and 2000 WYL Championship, including an undefeated season in '99. In 1999, Richards was WYL first team all-league. In 2000, Richards received numerous accolades including Fresno Bee first team all-league, Visalia Times Delta Player of the Year and West Yosemite Team MVP. Richards is also a member of the volleyball team and was recognized as the 2000 MVP.
Velasquez is a senior at Rincon High School in Tucson, Ariz. Her personal honors include MVP at the 2001 ASA 18 'A' National Championship in Salem, Va. Velasquez pitched 32 innings in the final day to win the title. As a member of the ASA 18'A' Arizona Alleycats, Velasquez has enjoyed numerous accomplishments. Including the '01 national title, the 'Cats have gone to the ASA national tournament every year since 1997. As a Ranger for Rincon, Velasquez and her teammates made the Arizona state tournament in 2000 and '01.
The 24-ranked Aztecs swing into the 2002 season at the Cal State Northridge Tournament, Feb. 1-3, and return home for the Aztec Invitational against Missouri and Hawaii, Feb. 8-9.