Fresno State Athletics
Villalpando Selected to Play for Team Mexico
6/24/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
By: Kimberly Fisher
kimfisher@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. - Following an open tryout last weekend, the Mexican National Softball Federation selected Bulldog infielder Alyssa Villalpando to their roster. Villalpando is coming off a successful season at Fresno State, helping the ‘Dogs to their first ever Mountain West title as an impact transfer from Hawai'i.
"I am extremely blessed to have been given this opportunity," Villalpando said. "I am full filling a lifelong dream of mine. It is with extreme pride and honor that I am able to represent not only my culture, but also my family through the sport of softball. I am so excited to start this journey with Team Mexico."
The El Monte, Calif., native has family linage that can be traced back to Mexico, qualifying her to compete with Team Mexico. The summer slate with the Mexican National Softball Team will bring a mix of culture, pride and family as Villalpando represents Fresno State internationally.
Following a week long training camp, Team Mexico will face elite competition at the USA World Cup of Softball, June 29-July 5, in Irvine, Calif., followed by the Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship, July 7-13, before concluding the summer at the International Softball Federation (ISF) World Championships. Athletes from more than 40 countries will set out to compete for the 2015 gold medal, July 15-25 in Vancouver, Canada.
"This is such a great honor for both Alyssa and our program," head coach Trisha Ford said. "We are so excited for her and can't wait to hear about her experience. Alyssa's hard work and determination will drive her through a very successful summer of playing against the best athletes in the world."
At the season's end, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association named the Bulldog starting third baseman to the second-team Pacific All-Region squad while Villalpando earned her first weekly honor during the ‘Dogs non-conference slate, being named the College Sports Madness Mountain West Softball Player of the Week on Feb. 24. The senior to be helped Fresno State secure a bid to postseason for the first time since 2011 where the ‘Dogs competed at the 2015 NCAA Eugene Regional.
Villalpando will spend her summer break taking advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity to take her game to the next level before returning to Fresno for her senior season.
World Cup of Softball | Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship | ISF World Championships
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