‘Such an exciting day.’ Merced senior celebrates signing day with two hits in win.
It was a special day for Merced High senior Elysa Walker.
Just after lunch on Wednesday, the Bears senior signed her national letter of intent to play softball at Aurora University in Illinois. Later that afternoon, Walker connected on two hits and scored a run as the Bears defeated Hughson 7-3 to improve to 7-0-1 on the season.
“It’s such an exciting day,” Walker said. “I’m having a good day.”
Walker signed her national letter of intent in front of family, friends and teammates during a ceremony in the Merced High gym.
“My teammates were there, they had my back,” Walker said. “It was an easy decision for me. I love that school. I’m excited to go there after high school.”
While searching for a college, Walker was exploring schools outside California. She fell in love with Aurora University because it had a great business program and a great softball program.
“It was important for me to travel and see places outside of Merced,” Walker said. “When I visited the campus, I loved that it was so green and open. It was covered in snow. It was really pretty. The people there were also super friendly.”
Merced coach John Kane says the university if getting a great kid.
“It’s been neat to watch her grow,” Kane said. “As a freshman, she was right on the bubble of whether we should call her up to varsity or not. As a sophomore she battled for at-bats. Now she’s one of our leaders. It’s like watching the evolution of a player.”
Walker is now a senior on a team that has eight sophomores on the roster.
“They call me a team mom,” Walker said. “The chemistry is great on this team. My teammates have been so supportive. I’ve been struggling the last two games. They definitely let me know they have my back.”
Kat Arceo and Trisha McCleskey crushed home runs to highlight the Bears’ offensive attack. McCleskey also went the distance in the circle.
A memorable day for Walker, who says she’s relieved to have her college decision out of the way. Now she can enjoy the rest of the her senior year.
She also knows her softball career will continue in college.
“I love the game,” Walker said. “I can’t wait to continue playing after high school.”
