DALLAS— The Texas Rangers Youth Academy today announced Ximena Zamarron as the Rangers’ 2022 Youth of the Year.

As part of her Rangers Youth Academy Youth of the Year selection, Zamarron, an Irving Nimitz High School graduate and freshman shortstop at Paris Junior College, will receive a $20,000 college scholarship generously donated by the Coleman Family. Additionally, Major League Baseball will provide an all-expenses paid trip for Zamarron and a guest to Game 2 of the World Series.

The Youth of the Year recognition is awarded annually to a dedicated Rangers Youth Academy athlete that demonstrates excellence both on and off the field. Zamarron was surprised with the news of her selection yesterday evening on a Zoom call with Texas Rangers Youth Academy coaches and staff.

“Ximena has been an active participant at the Rangers Youth Academy since the facility opened,” said Juan Leonel Gárciga, Senior Director of Youth Academy & Baseball Development. “She is a gifted player who remained humble throughout her entire playing career at the Rangers Youth Academy, and her involvement has positively impacted the way the program is perceived in the softball community.

“Ximena is everything that embodies the Texas Rangers Youth Academy, and we know she will have tremendous success at Paris Junior College before certainly continuing her softball career at a major four-year program.”

In addition to regularly attending year-round softball programming and participating in the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) League during her time at the Academy, Zamarron was selected to compete in several special events, tournaments, and international competitions, including:

• 2018: Jennie Finch Classic Team
• 2018: Elite Development Invitational
• 2018: Rangers RBI Regional Softball All-Star Team
• 2019: MLB Grit
• 2019: Jennie Finch Classic Team
• 2019: Elite Development Invitational
• 2021: Rangers RBI Regional Softball All-Star Team (Runners-Up)
• 2021: Softball Breakthrough Series
• 2021: Jennie Finch Classic Team (Champions)
• 2021: Mexico 18U Junior National Team: Pan American Games (Silver Medalists)
• 2022: Rangers RBI Regional Softball All-Star Team (Runners-Up)

Major League Baseball will recognize Zamarron for her accomplishments during pre-game ceremonies before Game 2 of the MLB World Series, on October 29, alongside the nine other MLB Youth Academy Youth of the Year award winners.