The Downey Patriot

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Downey's Anissa Urtez signs professional softball contract

Photo courtesy Utah Athletics

DOWNEY – Former Downey High School All-C.I.F. softball player Anissa Urtez has signed a professional softball contract with the Scrap Yard Dawgs, a woman’s professional softball team that belongs to National Pro Fastpitch.

Urtez has most recently played for the University of Utah and the Mexican National Team. Her contract with the Scrap Yard Dogs runs through 2018. 

“I am beyond excited for the opportunity to continue my career professionally and I can’t wait to be a Dawg,” said Urtez.

Headquarterd in Nashville, Tennessee, National Pro Fastpitch was created in 1997 to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport. It is the official development partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball and has been since 2002. 

“Anissa is going to be a solid defensive player for the Dawgs,” said Scrap Yard Dawgs general manager Connie May. “She has championship experience and we are excited to add another Ute to the roster.” 

During her senior year at Utah, Urtez was a solid infielder and recorded 138 defensive assists in 2017. Anissa also hit .410 with 52 RBIs and was selected second team All-Pac 12. 

During her junior year, Urtez was named first team All-Pac 12 and led the conference with 16 doubles. Anissa also batted .380 and played for the Mexican National Team. 

As a sophomore, Urtez committed only eight errors in 55 games and had 106 defensive assists. Anissa also led the Pac 12 Conference in sacrifice bunts with 12.

Urtez was a four-year letter winner while at Downey High and broke every offensive record her senior year. She was named M.V.P. and first-team All San Gabriel Valley League in 2012. 

Urtez was also a standout softball player at Doty Middle School before Downey High.