Senior Gabriella Gonzales-Villegas Scores a Home-run

for North Park

Senior, Gabriella Gonzalez-Villegas, 17 signed with North Park University on February 1, National Signing Day on a softball scholarship. Gabriella, a helpful and humble player, is great on and off the field, and ready to play at North Park.

Gabby on Signing Day

Gabriella started playing softball at the age of five. She went on to play recreational ball, travel ball at the young age of 9, and high school ball. During high school softball l scouts noticed her talent, academics and commit to the sport. Her overall drive and effort help her to earn her a scholarship to a Division III school.

However, Gabby didn’t achieve this alone, her parents were by her side from the beginning. Gabby’s parents have been supportive and helpful during her softball career. Commuting to tournaments, pitching and batting lessons, early games, and travel, Gabby’s parents have helped her work her way up to the next level. Gabby said that her parents are excited and eager to watch her play in college and even better, a Division III school.

Sophomore, Reagan Beagle says that Gabby is a role model on and off the field, especially on the pitcher’s mound. She went on to say, “Last season she was a huge help in getting us to regionals. She will be missed when she graduates, but she has great opportunities ahead.” Reagan went on to say how her and the whole team are very excited to see her play at the college level. Gabby is a leader on the field, assisting other pitchers and helping them perfect their techniques.

Gabby has had plenty of injuries in her career, and is currently sidelined due to a foot injury. Freshman Kali Manco says that although the season just started and Gabby’s injured she’s still a great mentor. “I never knew someone could be so uplifting, even if they’re injured,” Manco on Gabby’s impact on the team and the freshmen. The team says that if someone in needed to up the spirits in the dugout, Gabby was the person to look at for help. Gabby is adored by many teachers and teammates.

“My favorite part of playing for Chapel is my teammates. They’re all so uplifting and fun to be with,” Gabby on her time playing for Chapel.

Gabby Junior year season.

Gabby is not only successful on the mound and at bat, but also in the classroom. Gabby has been balancing school and softball since elementary and has a 3.0 grade point average. Gabby plans to partake in the pre-med program and study to become either a sports psychologist or nurse. She mentioned that North Park has a built in study hall that is mandatory for all student athletes for at least three hours a week, which will be an asset when it comes to time management.

Gabby in Sophomore year.

During September Gabby was touring colleges with her family, she visited North Park in Chicago. She was offered a spot on the North Park University’s softball team. Gabby went home and thought hard about it and talked it over with friends and family. A few months later Gabby verbally committed to the North Park Vikings Softball team..

“I am just grateful that I have been awarded this great opportunity and I can pave my way to the things ahead of me,” Gabby stated in her interview.

Gabriella Gonzalez-Villegas’ Career Stats at Wesley Chapel High School (4 years)

Batting Average .105

On Base Percentage .244

Hits 4

RBIS 2

Runs 1

Pitching:

4.29 ERA with 1,554 pitches and a .571 Winning Percentage