Starting off strong with Kaydence Cox, #6! Kaydence has played softball for the past 10 years and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Although she isn’t sure what she wants to do after graduation, she knows she wants to coach a team. Throughout softball, she’s had so many memorable moments, it was hard to choose, but eventually Kaydence shared, “I have so many fond memories while being on the team, a lot of these girls I grew up with, and they’re like a second family for me. I have enjoyed playing beside them and having our funny moments, like putting on the silliest eye black before a game. I have also enjoyed competing and getting so energetic with these girls, with whom I’m grateful I could share the experience. I truly am going to miss playing. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my days after school than playing for this team, and I am grateful for all the opportunities and experiences I have had, along with all the people who have supported me along the way.”
Next up, #8, Juliana Lukanuski! Juliana has been playing softball since she was 9 years old, making this year her 9th year playing! Isn’t that funny? With all the love she has for the sport, she was unable to even pick a favorite memory, although she did add, “It was a gift to hang out with this group of girls, and I’ll forever cherish it!” After high school, Juliana plans to become a certified pharmacy technician, as she’s been taking pharmacy through our school; following that certification, she plans to go to the U of A to train to be a travel nurse.
Still going strong, we have #3, Julissa Alejandra Estrada! Another one of our players who’s been involved for the past decade, she’s been playing since she was 7. With her years of experience, she has been surrounded by many different teams, but says, “My favorite memory on the team is my sophomore year banquet; we had a slip and slide, water balloons, games, and food with all our families, and it was an amazing experience with my teammates and seniors that I miss so much.” Following high school, Julissa plans to go to the U of A College of Nursing to become a travel and trauma nurse.
Next up, #7, Civana Halsey! Civana might be our most experienced player, as she’s been playing since she was 3! Not even in school yet. Clearly, Civana has played many games, but walking out of senior night with a win was still her best memory. After high school, Civana plans to “start at Pima to get my pre-reqs out of the way and then transfer to a university to study veterinary sciences.”
Following, we have #1, Venisa Sanchez-Hermosillo! Growing up, Venisa played softball on and off until she was 10, but then decided to take a break. She started back up her junior year and has been playing ever since. Although she’s only had a short amount of time with he teammates, she’s still made great memories; Venisa remembers, “My favorite memory was when I told my friend Jasmine that if she hit a home run, she should yell ‘ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED ‘and she did exactly that. We were losing, but it made my game.” After graduation, Venisa has plans to go to Pima Community College and then pursue a career in the physical therapy field.
Heading towards the end, we have #11, Lilias Arrand! Lilias has been in softball for the past 7 years and has plans to continue. Post-grad, she will be attending nursing school to become a NICU nurse. For softball, she plans to coach her niece’s 6U team. Looking back, Lilias shares, “During that time, I have made countless wonderful memories. My favorite memories from the Sahuaro Cougars Softball team are getting to travel to all the different schools with the team and always seeing my family at every single game, no matter how far, cheering us on.”
Last but not least, we have #10, Nissiebella Arellano! Nissie has been playing with Sahuaro for 4 years. After leaving high school, Nissie has plans to go to college to become a surgical technologist. Although Nissie won’t be continuing softball after graduation, it’ll always hold a special place in her heart.
