Warden's Amanda Contreras inks with Mt. Hood

WARDEN — Tears were intermittently wiped away as family, friends, coaches and teammates cycled in and out for pictures.

It was a group of over 20, in the foyer of the Warden High School gymnasium, to see one of their own realize a goal a long time in the making.

Warden first baseman Amanda Contreras put pen to paper, signing to play softball for Mt. Hood Community College.

“My community really cares about each other,” she said. “We’re such a close community where we can always count on each other for coming and supporting each other and with them being here for me taking the next step is kind of good because I’m scared at first for going.”

It’s a bit of a hike from Warden to Greshman, Ore. — over 250 miles. But the distance was part of what Contreras found appealing. Contreras had an offer from Wenatchee Valley College, but she described playing for Mt. Hood as a chance to try something new.

“Starting fresh from somewhere where I know where I can go and learning what I can do on my own over in Oregon,” she said. “With Oregon, I’d like to try something else on my own.”

It didn’t hurt teammate Jizelle Pruneda celebrated her commitment to Mt. Hood Saturday afternoon and former Cougar standout Iris Rodriguez is an assistant coach with the Saints.

“I think that was very influential in them making that decision, knowing that Iris was there and the amount of respect they have for her and the coach and player that Iris became,” head coach Wes Richins said. “They know it’s going to be tough.”

Contreras anchors the middle of Warden’s order and showcased her power Saturday against SCAC East rival Connell. In the first inning of Game 2, Contreras hit a towering shot over the left field fence that scored three runs.

That type of power is something any college coach would covet.

“She has a lot of raw talent and ability,” Richins said. “She’s big, strong and if she works hard and quickens her feet up and everything — she’s going to have a powerful bat.

“I think she’s up to the challenge, but I think she has the frame that college coaches dream about. She’s a girl that every time she’s at bat something can happen.”