Marble Falls softball player signs to UT-San Antonio at 18th birthday party
Marble Falls High School senior softball player Amanda Thomas (right) signs her letter of intent to play for the University of Texas-San Antonio while Marble Falls head coach Chelsey Heller looks on. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF
MARBLE FALLS — On the first day she could sign a letter of intent Nov. 13, which happened to be her 18th birthday, Marble Falls High School senior softball player Amanda Thomas made her commitment to the University of Texas-San Antonio official.
And she celebrated by having a signing party that had several other surprises, including a visit from older sister, Shae, and grandmother Carol Stine.
“That was fun,” Thomas said about her sister’s attendance. “It meant a lot. It shows how much she cares about me.”
Thomas also was serenaded by john Arthur martinez.
The singer-songwriter has been a part of the Thomas family for years. He sang at her parents’ wedding and performs at other family functions. When Amanda Thomas turned 5, he sang the “Armadillo” song at her birthday party. She has used it as a cellphone ringtone ever since.
That also was the tune he sang when he announced to the crowd that Thomas was celebrating her birthday with a signing ceremony Nov. 13.
The athlete has been playing softball since she was 5 and has a goal of making Team USA. She also plays select softball for the Texas Bombers.
“I like being on the field all the time, being competitive,” she said.
Now that she has her college signing behind her, she is focusing on goals for the Lady Mustangs. Among them are competing for the District 25-4A championship, qualifying for the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season and reaching the Class 4A state tournament.
“I think we have the potential to do it,” she said.
Attending her signing were teammates, friends and family members.
“They’ve helped me through a lot,” she said. “The people here have always supported me.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com