Academy athletes Julian Guerrero, George Rodriguez, Hailey Zuniga and Meagan Robles announce commitments to collegiate programs
- Four Youth Academy athletes announce commitments to continue athletic careers
- Jonathan Menefee delivers a standout performance at the Dallas ISD Black History Month Showcase
This month, four Texas Rangers Youth Academy athletes announced their commitments to continue their baseball and softball careers at the collegiate level. Julian Guerrero, George Rodriguez, Hailey Zuniga and Meagan Robles are the latest athletes to announce the next step in their athletic journeys, bringing the total number of Youth Academy athletes committed to collegiate programs to 22 for the class of 2026.
Red Oak High School and Rangers Youth Academy softball player Meagan Robles will continue her softball career at Fort Scoff Community College in the fall. Robles, an outfielder, represented the Rangers Youth Academy at multiple RBI regionals, invitationals and Jennie Finch Classics.
Hailey Zuniga, a teammate of Robles at both Red Oak High School and the Texas Rangers Youth Academy committed to the softball program at Division III University of Mount Saint Vincent. Zuniga, a pitcher, represented the Youth Academy in numerous RBI regionals, development invitationals and Breakthrough Series.
Cedar Hill High School baseball player and Texas Rangers Youth Academy athlete George Rodriguez announced last month his commitment to continue his career at NAIA-level Wiley University. Rodriguez, a left-handed pitcher, represented the Rangers Youth Academy at the 2023 RBI Regionals. Rodriguez was the recipient of a $15,000 scholarship from the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation at the 2024 Tex Gala for his dedication to the Academy and its community.
South Grand Prairie High School baseball player and Texas Rangers Youth Academy athlete Julian Guerrero announced two weeks ago his commitment to continue his baseball career at Arlington Baptist University. Guerrero, a right-handed batter and thrower, earned the 2025 Rangers NIKE RBI Whataburger Rising Star award for his on-field performance, sportsmanship and community involvement.
QUICK HIT
Athlete Jonathan Menefee shines at Dallas ISD Black History Month Showcase
Under the Spotlight: Jonathan Menefee, a Texas Rangers Youth Academy athlete, participated in the Dallas Independent School District Black History Month Showcase hosted by Five Tool Baseball at Globe Life Field on Feb. 8, earning the opportunity to showcase his skills to college scouts.
Performance Highlights: Menefee delivered a strong all-around performance, standing out defensively with an elite diving catch that was showcased across Five Tool Baseball platforms. At the plate, he recorded two hits, and, on the mound, he delivered a solid pitching performance.
Standout Statistics: Menefee posted a 6.70 in the 60-yard dash, an 86-mph outfield throwing velocity, and an 81-mph exit velocity at the plate. On the mound, his fastball topped out at 87-mph, complimented by a 73-mph slider.
Education & Buckner International programming
The Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy goes beyond baseball and softball programming to benefit our community. With help from our partner Bucker International, the Academy hosts free education and enrichment courses for athletes and their families throughout the year. Register here for all Youth Academy classes.