Carlsbad High star named Gatorade New Mexico Softball Player of the Year

‘She has a great bat and she’s an excellent pitcher too, throwing it 60-plus with a good rise ball.’

Carlsbad High pitcher and outfielder Faith Aragon has been named the 2021-22 Gatorade New Mexico Softball Player of the Year.

Aragon is the third Player of the Year to be chosen from Carlsbad High School, according to the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA).

The award recognizes athletic excellence, exemplary characater and academic achievement. Aragon is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year award.

Aragon compiled a 16-1 record with a 1.91 ERA and 182 strikeouts in leading the Cavegirls (30-1) to the Class 5A state championship this past season, according to NMAA, which added that she also contributed 16 home runs and 48 RBI with a .598 batting average.

She’s a contributor off the field, as well. Aragon is vice president of Carlsbad High’s Interact Club, volunteering “on behalf of food donation drives, community clean-up initiatives and youth softball camps,” NMAA. The junior meanwhile maintains a 3.67 GPA.

In a statement, Ron Romero, head coach of La Cueva High School, called Aragon the “best player in New Mexico,” commending her performance on both sides of the plate.

“She has a great bat and she’s an excellent pitcher too, throwing it 60-plus with a good rise ball,” Romero said.

For more information on Aragon and the Gatorade Player of the Year program, go here.