The Angelina College Lady Roadrunner softball team celebrated plenty over the past two seasons, whether it was the 45 wins in 2017 or the 100 home runs the team hit in the
same year.
In nearly every celebration pic, Shay Vegas was doing most of the celebrating.
Such is her passion for the game.
Vegas’ abilities and fire caught the attention of collegiate scouts, leading the Flower Mound product to sign her letter of intent to continue her career with Stephen F. Austin University’s Ladyjacks beginning in the fall of 2017.
“Honestly, one of the biggest reasons I chose SFA is East Texas itself,” Vegas said. “I don’t know what it is about East Texas, but it certainly feels like home to me.
“When I stepped on SFA’s campus, it felt just like walking around Angelina College, with just a bigger setting. The campus is bigger yet not overwhelming, and I love that.”
Vegas said the coaching staff, notably head coach Nicole Dickson, had an impact on the decision as well.
“The coaching staff was very straightforward, and made me feel welcome,” Vegas said. “Coach Dickson has a reputable name when it comes to the game, and I am excited to play for her. Also, officially meeting some of the girls that I played against during my freshman season was awesome.”
Following her freshman season as a Lady Roadrunner in 2016, Vegas was named 1st Team All-Conference in Region XIV. She hit .370 (among the conference’s top 20) with 10 home runs (eighth in conference) and 40 RBI. Vegas also posted a .618 slugging percentage, good enough for second on the team.
In 2017, her average dropped, but it wasn’t because she wasn’t making contact. Vegas sprayed line drives all over the field; she just managed to hit many of them right at the defense. Nevertheless, she finished with a .332 batting average, drove in 44 runs and led the team in triples. A total of 17 of her 64 hits went for extra bases.
“I think what got their attention was my bat and athleticism on the field,” Vegas said. “I think having a good bat and having the ability to be versatile at any position on the field caught their attention. Also, being a junior transfer with experience and maturity played a big factor as well.
“Heading into SFA this fall, I am expecting to move around the whole infield. I am willing to play anywhere on the field to help benefit the Ladyjack softball program win a Southland Conference championship.”
Vegas said her time with the Lady Roadrunners left a lasting impact and high expectations for her next destination.
“The very first meeting we had as a team my freshman year, Coach Mark Mattson immediately made us understand that his program is about family. Needless to say, his and Coach Barbi’s kids are always running around the field during practice. At first, it was a very different atmosphere of practice from what I was used to, but after a while practice never seemed right without them there. When I would have a bad day, the kids would always know how to cheer me up and keep me going throughout the day.
“And almost every time we finished a game, we would always break out with a ‘bang bang’ cheer and finish it with ‘family all in’. As a team, we played as a family, and we played for each other. Family has always been a big thing to me and I know that I will have lifelong support from my teammates and coaches by my side as I continue my career at SFA.”
Vegas’ parents are Jamie and Alvin Vegas.
