Class of 2021
At the end of July we will say goodbye to our 5 seniors. They are all amazing young woman that will do great things in the future. Next year they will be spreading out across the country, heading to the East Coast, the West Coast, the South, and the Midwest. We are looking forward to watching them play at the next level but we are very excited that we get to still watch them play as Firecrackers over the next month and half.
Seems like this softball thing just began for our daughters. Feels like just yesterday we were trying to find a glove and helmet that would fit a five year old, easier said then done. Remembering their All-Star experiences, their first travel ball team, playing their first high school game as a freshman and watching them come off the field after their final high school game. Some tears might have been shed. The statement, “Blink of an eye” does not do it justice.
The end of this part of the story is quickly approaching for our seniors, players that have gone through so much over the last year and half. Our “Covid” seniors are a resilient bunch that have had to adapt and overcome the obstacles that they have faced over the last year. This part of the journey will end in July, then the next chapter will open for them in August as they enter college. I just want to say that it has been a pleasure to watch you play and grow into strong, young women.
Kylie Chung
What school will you be attending in the fall?
Stanford University
What would you like to say to your parents?
Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. Your high standards and expectations have pushed me to my limits and allowed me to achieve more than what I believed is possible.
Why did you choose this university?
It had both what I wanted in academics and softball. The softball program is on the come up with an amazing coaching staff and a championship culture, and the academic prestige is just an added bonus.
What are you looking forward to this summer with Firecrackers Rico?
I love this team and the chemistry. There’s absolutely no beef on the team and I also really think that this team is capable of so much. I always love a good underdog story and I think people underestimate us and I’m ready to prove them wrong.
Angelina DeLeon
What school will you be attending in the fall?
University of Mississippi
What would you like to say to your parents?
Mom and Dad, Thank you for your unconditional love, your unwavering support, and your countless sacrifices that have ultimately led me to my successes. I love you more than you’ll ever know.
Why did you choose this university?
I chose Ole Miss because of the amazing coaches and atmosphere that want the best for me. With the high-level competition and the support from university, I know I will become the best version of myself on and off the field.
What are you looking forward to this summer with Firecrackers Rico?
I am looking forward to traveling and spending quality time with the team. Most importantly, I am looking forward to competing and learning each chance that I get.
Anything you want to add?
Huge thank you to coach Tony, the rest of the coaching staff, and to my wonderful teammates for helping shape me into the young woman I am today. You all have had a positive effect on my life and I’ll be forever grateful for that
Bella Espinoza
What school will you be attending in the fall?
San Diego State University
What would you like to say to your parents?
I want to say thank you to my parents for always pushing me to be the best version of myself. They have been there for me through my ups and downs, and I would not be the person I am today without them. Their constant support is awesome and there’s no one better than them.
Why did you choose this university?
I chose San Diego State because of how welcoming the coaching staff was to me, and the great conversations we had. Visiting the campus felt like home and I was so happy being there. I’m excited to stay close, but not too close, to home and cannot wait for the next 4 years!
What are you looking forward to this summer with Firecrackers Rico?
I am looking forward to competing with my team for one last time. I’m very excited to play and push ourselves to play our best. I am going to take everything in and enjoy every moment I can when playing this summer. It is crazy to think this is going to be the last time playing with these girls, but so excited to go out there and win!
Emma Sellers
What school will you be attending in the fall?
University of South Carolina
What would you like to say to your parents?
I would like to thank my parents for helping me and all the sacrifices they have made to get to where I am today. Thank you for the constant support and continuing to push me no matter what the situation is.
Why did you choose this university?
I chose the University of South Carolina because right when I stepped foot in Columbia and on the campus it felt like home.
What are you looking forward to this summer with Firecrackers Rico?
I am looking forward to not only a successful summer and to win championships, but also the opportunity to play with some of my best friends for the last time.
Sophia Nugent
What school will you be attending in the fall?
University of Oklahoma
What would you like to say to your parents?
I would like to thank my parents for all that they’ve done for me. From driving me to games to pushing me to be a better player and person, they’re really done it all.
Why did you choose this university?
I chose the University of Oklahoma because it felt like home away from home. I loved the players and coaching staff. The small town feel was what I was looking for. It also allows me to continue my education and play softball at the highest level.
What are you looking forward to this summer with Firecrackers Rico?
Something I am looking forward to this summer is to play with my teammates for one last time. I can’t wait to play in Colorado and Oklahoma and win some championships.