Hockinson softball star commits to Texas powerhouse

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Maleya Burns, a standout senior softball player who lives in Hockinson but attends Union High School, didn’t need much time to think over an offer extended by Angelo State University during her recent trip to visit the school, her mom Marla Burns said. 

When the coaching staff asked if she wanted a week to think it over, she declined —  her heart was already in Texas. 

Maleya, who’s been named 4A GSHL all-league every season she's been in high school along with three nominations for all-region, had been hoping to land in Texas all along. She has family there and loves the south. 

But Marla said they weren’t getting their hopes up. Texas school diamonds are packed full of talent. They were planning to focus on the midwest instead. Then Maleya's hitting coach made a call, which led to the Angelo coaching staff watching some game tape of Maleya, which led to a visit.  



Both mother and daughter said the atmosphere at the school is great and the coaching staff was very accommodating. But they don’t just impress off the field. Angelo is one of the top Division II softball programs in the nation, finishing runner-up in the NCAA Division II National Championship last spring with a 60-7 record overall. 

“It was really exciting,” Maleya said of the moment she got the offer, adding that she was also hit with a wave of relief. She had spent years pursuing a place to play in college and it was finally coming true. She’s looking forward to leaving her mark on the college ball field and is hoping to fight her way into a starting spot as a freshman. 

Maleya thanked her parents for their support through the years and the coaches she’s worked with.