Academy Signing Day

On Sunday, June 13, a number of Texas Rangers Youth Academy baseball and softball athletes will sign their National Letters of Intent to play college athletics. These student-athletes will be recognized for their accomplishments on and off the field while formally signing their letters on the playing surface of Globe Life Field.

“Not every athlete gets to have a major signing day with fanfare and celebration, so we wanted to make sure all of our baseball and softball players were properly recognized for their achievements,” said Juan Leonel Gárciga, Director of Youth Baseball & Academy Programs. “It’s a unique way for the Rangers organization to show how proud we are of their hard work and commitment to not only their playing career but their education.”

Since its inception in 2017, the Texas Rangers Youth Academy has seen 35 athletes continue their baseball and softball careers at the collegiate level. Over the years, more and more athletes from across North Texas have gained access to year-round training, skills competitions and exclusive developmental events, equipping them with the tools needed to reach the next level.

“When the Academy construction was complete, and we were able to fully activate the facility, there were maybe a handful of players who could possibly play at the next level,’ said Gárciga. “Now we anticipate 10-20 players each year will sign to play, and we work with college coaches to find schools that would be a great fit for them.”

The 2021 high school graduates signing a National Letter of Intent on Sunday, June 13, will finish their careers at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy this summer in the RBI League.

Athletes to be recognized at the Academy Signing Day event include:

Ariana Ortiz – 3B; Molina High School; Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Hannah Pacheco – C/3B; Cedar Hill High School; Trinity Valley Community College

Mackenzie Amaya – OF; Woodrow Wilson; Ouachita Baptist University

Nick Mooney – P/OF; Frisco Memorial High School; Wiley College

Kevin Daniel Cox – 3B/P; Skyline High School; Wiley College

Dylan Byrd – OF/P; Cedar Hill High School; Oklahoma Christian University

Matthew De Leon – SS; Skyline High School; Oklahoma Wesleyan University

James Martinez – P/1B; Skyline High School; Wiley College

Adrian Vargas – C/P; Skyline High School; Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Dodge Suprun – P; The Science and Engineering Magnet; City College of New York

Christian Jarmon – 1B; Cedar Hill High School; Centenary College of Louisiana

Mackenzie Amaya: All-Star to Star Scholar

To say Texas Rangers Youth Academy Athlete, Mackenzie Amaya, had a big month would be an understatement. In May, Amaya was named one of six inaugural Stars Scholars and signed her National Letter of Intent to play softball at the collegiate level.

Amaya, a graduating senior from Woodrow Wilson High School, was surprised with a $10,000 scholarship May 5 through the Dallas Cowboys' new program, Star Scholars, powered by Reliant. Mackenzie and five other athletes received a total of $60,000 and spent the day playing on the Cowboys practice field with linebacker Jaylon Smith.

“When I received the scholarship, I was speechless. I was so happy that I shed a few tears of joy,” said Amaya. “It feels amazing to know that people recognize my dedication and abilities in school and on the field. I am so grateful to all the people who made that day and the scholarship possible.”

Hundreds of student-athletes from Dallas Independent, Arlington Independent, and Frisco Independent School Districts were nominated in secret by teachers, mentors, and coaches to recognize their athletic achievements and excellence in the classroom. Amaya, a three-sport athlete in softball, basketball and cross country, will be a first-generation college student attending Ouachita Baptist University to play softball and study nursing.

“My athletic director and my basketball coach nominated me for this scholarship,” said Amaya. “I met with my athletic director to talk about the scholarship, and as I was talking with him, I couldn’t help but think there was no way I was going to get chosen out of all the other qualified applicants. However, I reassured myself that I had a fighting chance because of all the volunteer work, good grades and dedication I have.”

During her high school career, Mackenzie participated in Dallas ISD’s Leaders in Training program and volunteered for numerous organizations, including Jubilee Park, Meals on Wheels, Austin Street Shelter and a local mentorship program.

Additionally, she has left her mark at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy as an RBI League All-Star and has returned in 2021 for her final RBI season.

“Mackenzie Amaya can best be described as a hard-nosed softball player who has worked incredibly hard on improving every year,” said Juan Leonel Gárciga, Director of Youth Baseball & Academy Programs. “During the 2019 RBI All-Star tryouts, she was selected for the team by posting the fastest 40-yard times, fastest home to home, and fastest home to first of any player. She’s a three-sport athlete whose speed has made her a serious threat on the bases.”

On May, 12 Amaya was surrounded by family, friends, and teammates when she officially signed to play collegiate softball at Ouachita Baptist University.

“Despite having played shortstop throughout high school and during her time at the Rangers Youth Academy, Mackenzie was open to the feedback provided by coaches who felt a transition to the outfield, where her speed would be a greater weapon, would increase her chances of playing at the next level,” said Gárciga.

Mackenzie trusted in her coaches, made the transition, and will find herself in the outfield next fall when she begins her collegiate softball career. Amaya is grateful to the Youth Academy for giving her the chance to develop her skills year-round and reach her goals of playing softball at the next level.

Mackenzie will graduate from high school on June 12 and participate in the Texas Rangers Youth Academy Signing Day event at Globe Life Field on June 13.

Texas Ranger RBI League Schedule