As a transfer student from the University of Texas at El Paso, senior Hope Moreno came to Creighton to meet a new set of softball players and find a strong dynamic in her team.
“I made the best decision of my life coming here, I wish I would’ve made the decision sooner. Every time we step on the field, it’s just a different vibe than I’ve had the last three years,” Moreno said.
The positivity the team shows is one of the aspects she appreciates so much this season to contrast with her previous experience.
“The coaches are amazing, the school’s amazing and I get along with the girls really well,” Moreno said in response to why she decided to switch to Creighton for her senior season.
With experience under her belt and a readiness to improve, Moreno has shown great skills this season in her play so far, but it’s seen away from the games as well, according to head coach Brent Vigness.
“She’s been a really great addition to our team. Not just because of her performance on the field, but because she’s a positive person who brings a good energy to our team and our program,” Vigness said.
“Overall she is an upbeat individual who has been very beneficial from different standpoints.”
One of these benefits, of course, comes from her abilities on the field. So far this season Moreno has seen multiple games of dominating at bats. She had a four-game stretch where she was batting over .500 and has an overall batting average of .364. One of these games being North Dakota State where she had four hits along with four RBIs.
Her athleticism is in more than just softball, as she formerly competed in swimming in her home state of California. Aside from swimming she enjoys spending time at the beach when she’s back home. When at Creighton, however, her focus is on the field.
“We have a really good group of girls, on and off the field. And a major focus for us this season is playing for each other and being a selfless player to help one another,” Moreno said.
Despite being a new addition to the team Moreno found her place quickly and is a strong leader this season.
“Even though she’s new to our program she really cares,” Vigness said. “She’s just been a huge benefit to our team in just the short time that she’s been here.”