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Lyana Waddell just signed with Western New Mexico University.
Margaret Schofield | San Manuel High School
Copper Area News
San Manuel’s Lyana Waddell, a member the two-time state champion Miners’ softball team, announced she has accepted a scholarship offer to Western New Mexico University, located in Silver City, New Mexico.
Waddell, a three-time All-Division IV selection as a pitcher, chose WNMU because of its commitment to academics and the academic support the school provides to ensure success in the classroom for its student-athletes.
Her plans include earning a degree in Criminal Justice.
“(My decision) wasn’t only about softball,” Waddell recently told theSan Manuel Miner. “As long as I have my education and my grades are good that’s the only way I’m going to be able to play.”
“The education program at WNMU is really helpful,” she continued. “(Staff members) will be able to help me with my grades and I’ll be able to understand them better. My grades are important.”
Waddell also acknowledged the school was geographically friendly, which would allow her to make frequent trips home on weekends and her family to make the short four-hour trip to watch her play.
Miners’ softball head coach Deanne Brewer was asked what attributes her star pitcher possesses that will help her succeed at the next level.
“(Lyana) maintains her composure,” Brewer responded. “She also had really good focus.”
Waddell was asked about the experience of playing for one of the state’s premiere softball programs and how that will help her at WNMU.
“No matter what we do – at practice or in games – we (are) always competitive,” she answered. “I think that will help all of us in college because we have to compete to earn a starting position. Coach Brewer is serious about us being competitive.”
Waddell, one of the top pitchers in the state, said the coaches at WNMU have told her they plan to use her in the same role when she officially becomes a member of the Mustangs next fall.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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