With the new NCAA softball recruiting rules bearing down on her heading into her freshman season in 2018, talented SS Nelia Peralta felt pressure to commit to a college.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing D1 softball and Mississippi State gave me a great opportunity to be a part of their program,” said Peralta, a Top 15 honoree in the 2021 Extra Elite 100.
“During my freshman year, the new recruitment rule was about to take effect and I decided to commit before it changed,” the junior from Florida continued. “Years passed and as a young commit with program changes, I wanted to explore my options, which led me to my new home.”
In July of last year, Vann Stuedman resigned as head coach at Mississippi State and was replaced by Samantha Ricketts. Peralta decided to decommit from Mississippi State and explore her options and eventually committed to Mike White and Texas last week.
“I committed to Texas because it truly reminded me of home,” said Peralta, who plays for Birmingham Thunderbolts 18U Premier and Wellington (Florida) High. “I saw myself there everyday walking through campus, admiring every bit and piece of the beautiful campus. I also can’t wait to be coached by such an amazing stuff.”
Here’s more on this top talent who’s headed to Austin next year…
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RECRUITING SPOTLIGHT Q&A
Name: NELIA PERALTA
Hometown: Wellington, Florida
High School: Wellington High
Club Team: Birmingham Thunderbolts 18U Premier
Graduation Year: 2021
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: SS
High School Highlights/Stats: Batted .416 with a .522 on-base percentage, .828 slugging percentage and 1.351 OPS on 35 hits, five HRs and 22 RBIs. Earned 1st Team All-State and 1st Team All-County in 2019.
How much advice did you get before you made your decision and what was the best advice you got?
I sat down with my parents going over the pros and cons of the schools, but most importantly they wanted me to follow my heart. I also had conversations with my coaches as well as former and current players on how they made their decision. Best advice I got was from a current teammate of mine saying, “Picture yourself on a day-to-day basis on campus. Do you see yourself there?”
*** Scroll down to read more about Nelia’s decision to become a Longhorn!