Guevara selected in ASBA Draft
Lyon Athletics
Tyler Scott, Sports Information Director
MOBILE, Ala. – Lyon College softball player Kaitlyn Guevara decided to take her softball playing career one step further this summer by entering her name in the new ASBA (American Softball Association) draft, which took place Wednesday afternoon.
That evening her dream came true when she was selected 14th overall by E1 Pro Ballers.
“It was amazing to hear my name called,” Guevara said. “I had no words. I knew earlier in the draft day that the coach was going to pick me up, but hearing it and for it to be so early was amazing.”
Guevara is the first player in program history to continue her softball career at the professional level.
The San Jose, Calif. native played two years at West Valley Community College in California before transferring to Lyon in 2017. While playing for the Scots, she compiled a 10-12 record and 3.55 ERA in the circle, while striking out 82 batters in 128.1 innings. At the plate, she batted .304 – scoring 34 runs and adding three doubles, one triple and 19 RBIs.
Guevara said the idea of playing professionally came about when she was playing in community college.
“My JUCO coach played professionally and she mentioned that I could do it,” Guevara said. “I initially doubted myself, but when I got done playing at Lyon I knew I wanted more. The idea of playing professionally is something I didn’t expect honestly.
“The work it took at Lyon to be a part of the team prepared for me today. My first year Coach (Elliott) Sampley was pushing us to be stronger and playing harder because he emphasized we were a family and a team.”
The ASBA is in its first year of existence this summer, joining the National Pro Fastpitch League. Games will take place from June 15 until the end of July.
The league is comprised of four teams – Moh-Beel! USA, Outkast, E1 Pro Ballers and Future 1s that will compete for a chance to play in the ASBA Championship from July 27-31. Over 90 graduated student-athletes at the NCAA DI, DII, DIII and NAIA levels entered their names into the draft.
“I am super excited for Kaitlyn,” Lyon College head softball coach Elliott Sampley said. “She has had an outstanding college career and deserves this opportunity. Hopefully she is the first of many SCOTS to come.”