Hernandez signs to play softball at BMCC

Cassie Hernandez, the leading run producer in Sisters High School (SHS) softball history, has signed with Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) in Pendleton.

Hernandez, a 2011 SHS graduate and daughter of Tim and Violet Hernandez, was signed by former Outlaws coach Tom Mauldin, head coach at BMCC. She joins the team for winter term.

Hernandez, who spent most of her innings as an Outlaw at third base, outfield and behind the plate, drove in 77 runs during her four seasons. She had a career batting mark of over .300. She was a standout as a junior and senior, driving in 49 runs in 46 games.

"That stat right there - averaging an RBI per game - says what Cassie brings to BMCC," said Mauldin, who coached Hernandez during her first three years as an Outlaw. "She's a clutch hitter and hits with power."

As a senior, Hernandez batted .476 and knocked in 25 runs. She hit a pair of grand slams and had 11 doubles. During SHS's banner 2010 year when the Outlaws won 22 games, Hernandez batted .305 and drove in 24 runs.

"In that season, Cassie played six different positions," said the former Outlaws coach. "That versatility is huge for our program."

Hernandez said she first thought of playing college softball as a high school freshman, but by the end of her senior year she didn't figure it would happen.

"I accepted I wouldn't play, but after a phone call in November, it's all that I can ever really think about," said the BMCC freshman.

That phone call came from Mauldin after he lunched with longtime Outlaws supporter Brett Hudson.

"In fall we lost a couple of players due to grades and Brett asked how recruiting was going," said Mauldin. "I shared that recruiting for fall 2012 was 'going great.' But that I was having a hard time filling some spots for spring 2012. He told me there was a real good one sitting in Sisters. When he told me it was Cassie, I called her before I finished lunch. Needless to say, it was a productive phone call."

Hernandez attended a recruit weekend along with eight other girls, getting a "look-see" from the BMCC coaching staff.

"I knew what I was going to see," said Mauldin. "That's why I was happy to make the phone call."

Hernandez said she is happy for the call as well.

"Going to college was always something I wanted to do, but playing softball as well was just a totally different thing. I never thought that I would be doing both. I'm glad I can be here with my new team on and off the field."

Hernandez, who said she plans to get her associate degree in early childhood education and transfer to Oregon or Oregon State, said her goals are to get a 3.5 grade point average and earn a starting spot.

"I want to work my way up to a starting position and have a winning season," she said. "Our team is going to be pretty competitive and versatile, and I hope I can hold my own with these girls."

Like all freshmen, she has a big case of nerves.

"My whole situation worries me really; finally moving away from home, playing softball and not really knowing anyone," said Hernandez. "I know that I'll get pretty homesick and I just hope that missing my old life won't distract me from my new beginning."

Mauldin noted that the percentage of high school softball players who receive college scholarships is less than one percent of all who play high school softball.