San Lorenzo Valley High School senior Bailey Lotz, signed a letter of intent Wednesday afternoon, accepting a near-full-ride academic and athletic scholarship to Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga.
Lotz, the reigning Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League Player of the Year, said that the opportunity offered to her by Saint Mary’s — a chance to play NCAA Division I softball — was a dream come true.
“I’m really blessed and really excited to start my new journey,” she said, adding that Saint Mary’s small campus and classroom sizes appealed to her, as well. “I love the campus.”
Lotz, who played catcher and third base for most of her four years on the Cougars’ varsity team, will join the Saint Mary’s Gaels softball team as a catcher/utility player.
Her mother, Sue Lotz, said applauded her daughter’s strong work ethic in pursuing her dream.
“She’s worked so hard,” she said. “She’s given up a lot to make this dream happen … we’re so proud of her.”
Her scholarship, awarded as much for her outstanding 4.14 GPA as for her softball prowess, will cover all but a fraction of Bailey Lotz’ tuition.
“She’s a great kid and she was able to manage her academics and athletics,” said Mark Brown, head coach of the Cougar softball team. “It’s great to see her achieve her goals — you don’t achieve this unless you’re something special, and she is something special.”
