Former softball great has MVP season in the pros

By Mark Saavedra/Staff Writer

 

 

Former softball player Stephanie Texeira made history while at FIU, but now she’s making her mark in the professional ranks.

The program legend was drafted in the inaugural American Softball Association draft as the 32nd overall pick by Moh-beel! USA in the eighth round.

“Given that I was a part of ASBA’s first inaugural season was truly remarkable,” said Texeira. “In this league, I have met lots of lifelong friends. In my opinion, my team was the most close-knit group of the whole league.”

Texeira led the led the league in RBI’s (39) and runs scored (30) while hitting a .405 average.

She also found herself thrown into the pitching rotation during the middle of the season. Despite not having pitched in five years, Texeira earned herself a 3.53 ERA.

The first baseman was awarded the league MVP honor and also selected to the First-Team All-ASBA and the All-Defensive team as well.

During her time with the Panthers, Texeira made her presence felt as she cemented herself within the program’s record books.

Texeira was a four-time all-conference honoree and was even selected as the Conference USA Freshman of the Year award in 2014.

The Gulliver Prep High School graduate finished as FIU’s all-time leader in batting average (.405), slugging percentage (.759), on-base percentage (.543), runs (159), home runs (47), RBI (190) and defensive putouts (1,191).

“FIU was nothing short of a blessing to me. The bond I had with my team only got stronger every year,” said Texeira. “I will forever be grateful of the opportunities and lifelong memories I was given at this institution.”

For now, Texeira intends to continue playing softball at the highest level. However, she plans to go back to school to receive her Master’s Degree in speech pathology.

“When I look on social media and see the amount of support I have from my FIU family, I can’t help but feel loved and grateful for the support I’ve had over the past years,” said the former Panther.

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