Amber Mills
Two standout players from the Central Valley, Amber Mills and Jessica Castaneda, recently signed National Letters of Intent to play for the CSU Bakersfield softball team starting in the 2012-13 season.
Mills, a consistent hitter and utility player who attends Clovis West High School, and Bakersfield's own Jessica Castaneda, a hard-hitting first baseman at Ridgeview High School, are the first to officially commit to the Roadrunners for the 2012-13 season. Mills was the leadoff hitter for Clovis West her junior season in 2011 and put up a .400 batting average. She hit .469 against Tri-River Athletic Conference opponents and earned a first team all-league selection for her efforts. She was also named to the Fresno Bee's First Team All-Valley Team in 2011. An all-around athlete, she also received a varsity letter by playing for the Golden Eagles soccer team in 2011. Academically, she's made the honor roll all three years at Clovis West. She's also spent time as a volunteer coach for the Special Olympics and served as the assistant coach for the Clovis Junior Under-10 girls soccer team. CSUB head coach Crissy Buck said Mills plays a wide range of positions including pitcher, she can hit for power and she is also a threat on the base paths. "I am really excited about Amber and the versatility she is going to bring to our program," Buck said. "Amber is a very quiet person, but as a player makes herself known on the field. When we met her family on their visit, I knew that she was the type of player and person that we need in this program. Not many high school kids today would coach their 10-year-old sister, but Amber jumped at the opportunity to do that. Amber will make an immediate impact for our program." |