El Paso's Desirae Spearman finds success with New Mexico State softball program
El Paso's Desirae Spearman has found success at every level of her softball career.
It's been no different in her first season of Division I softball at New Mexico State in Las Cruces, N.M., a few miles up the highway from El Paso.
In 34 games, Spearman is 8-3 in the circle as a pitcher and at the plate she's batting .365 with 16 homers and 38 RBIs, despite missing time with a right leg injury.
"Desirae came back from three and one-half weeks of not pitching earlier in the season and struck out 12 in a win against, UTEP. That says so much about her ability, her dedication and her competitiveness," NMSU softball coach Kathy Rodolph said.
Spearman was an electric player at Class 5A Hanks, where she had 203 RBIs, 80 home runs and went 40-5 in the circle during her career. Those numbers would have been higher if not for 2020 when the season was cut short due to COVID.
"It's been a fun new challenge in college, I just take it one day at a time and give my best effort each day," Spearman said. "I have great teammates and coaches. I push myself every day to get better."
Spearman and Rodolph developed a strong bond early in Spearman's softball career. Spearman attended an NMSU softball camp in seventh grade and Rodolph, who has been in Las Cruces for more than two decades, knew then she had great potential.
"It's a great feeling to have a coach trust in you and coach Rodolph works hard and loves to teach the game," said Spearman, who has won multiple Conference USA Freshman of the Week honors this season.
Added Rodolph: "Desirae has so much passion for the game and it shows every day. She had a great high school career and her success this year is no surprise."
The Aggies are 27-21 overall and 12-9 in CUSA play with three regular season games remaining at Middle Tennessee before the CUSA Tournament in Las Cruces on May 8-11.
"Our team has worked hard and it's been a fun season," Spearman said. "We were picked to finish seventh in the preseason and still have a chance to get second."
Coronado grad with solid Senior Day
Coronado graduate Savannah Bejarano had a strong Senior Day game on Sunday for the Aggies in a 6-0 home win against Louisiana Tech. She was the starting catcher for winning pitcher Emily Dix, who allowed one hit in the seven inning game. Bejarano also had a base hit in three plate appearances.
More: HS Sports Results El Paso high school sports scoreboard April 22-27
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Hanks grad Desirae Spearman having big year for NMSU softball
