One more game as a Lion

By Michael Kinney
The Moore American

NORMAN June 18, 2008 11:03 am

— The first ground ball of the All-State game rolled right to Chelsea Garcia. And as she has done here entire prep career, the Moore High shortstop ate up the grounder and flung it to first base.
However, Garcia wasn’t playing with any Lion teammates that are used to the heat that comes with the softball when she throws. The first baseman bobbled the ball and the runner was safe.
While it was an bad start to the game for the West, it also let the fans at Marita Hynes Field who have not seen Garcia play know exactly what type of player she is.
Throw in her clutch 2-3, 3 RBI, one-run day at the plate, and Garcia made her last prep fastpitch game a memorable one.
What stuck out in Garcia’s mind wasn’t her play on the field. But it was listening to the public address announcer as each player came to bat.
“It kind of gets you ready for next year,” Garcia said. “Because you have all these girls and you hear over the announcements so-and-so signed with so-and-so. So its kind of a big deal. All of us are moving up.”
When Garcia heard her name called along with them announcing she signed with Oklahoma State University, it set in that she is closing a chapter on her high school career.
“It just kind of let’s you know high school is over,’ Garcia said. “And it’s a big eye-opener.”
While at Moore, Garcia won four state titles in fastpitch and slowpitch softball. Garcia compiled a .464 batting average with five home runs and 40 runs batted in on the season.
“Chelsea is a kid who goes quietly about her business,” OSU head coach Rich Wieligman said. “She is a good leader who allows her actions to speak for themselves. She makes great plays look easy on defense. She also is a good hitter with power.”
Garcia graduated with a 4.5 GPA and was a member of the National Honor society and was also earned the 2007 Oklahoma Sports Museum sponsored Ferguson Jenkins Outstanding Student Athlete Award.
While she has had a very successful high school career, Garcia is looking forward to the collegiate challenges OSU offers.
“I am going to have to put in a lot of work in that and in school,” Garcia said. “Trying to keep balance. But I think I can do it.”
What Garcia will miss the most is her family.
“I’m worried about my family,” Garcia said. “More so just sad that I have to leave them. Even though it’s only an hour away. I am excited to leave, but nervous at the same time.”
Garcia has one game left in her Moore Lions uniform before having to retire it. Saturday is the Slowpitch All-State game at Marita Hynes Field. This time she will not be alone. Teammate Rachel Bushong along with Westmoore’s Samantha Childers and Brittany Burgel will join her on the West squad.
“I have one more game with this uniform on,” Garcia said. “I will really enjoy that one I think. It’s the last time I will be able to play slowpitch for the next four years, until I am older and playing the co-ed stuff.”