YWA Inaugural Softball Newsletter

Welcome to the YWA Softball Newsletter!

We are excited to kick off another season of growth, teamwork, and hard work with our student-athletes. This newsletter is designed to keep players and families informed about what we’re focusing on each month, important dates, and any equipment or needs along the way. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to help our athletes grow both on and off the field. We’re looking forward to a great season ahead!

— Coach Perez, Coach Chavez, and Coach Aguirre

Thank You to Our Supporters
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our parents, guardians, staff members, and community supporters who have contributed to Young Women’s Academy Softball fundraisers over the past three years. Because of your continued support, our program has gained incredible momentum, allowing us to secure three new sets of uniforms, new helmets, and a wide range of new equipment including nets, balls, and training gear for this season. Although this is an off year and travel is not sponsored by EPISD, your fundraising efforts have made it possible for our athletes to gain additional exposure through out-of-town competition. This February, our varsity team will travel to the El Dorado Invitational in Tucson, Arizona, an exciting opportunity made possible entirely by our amazing supporters. We are truly grateful for everything you do to help our athletes grow and succeed.

01/12 Monday

• Practice is cancelled due to water break

01/13 Tuesday

• Practice at YWA from 4:00-5:30

01/14 Wednesday

• Practice at YWA from 4:00-5:30

01/15 Thursday

• Parent Meeting from 4:30-5:00pm

01/16 Friday

• Practice at YWA from 4:00-5:30

01/17 Saturday

• Practice at Alta Vista Field 35011 Morenci Rd
• 10:00-12:00pm

• Black Softball Socks
• White Softball Socks
• Black Softball Belt
• White Softball Belt
• Turf Cleats of your choice (no metal spikes)
• Tennis Shoes

While EPISD requires student-athletes to maintain grades of 70 or higher in order to participate in athletics, the Young Women’s Academy Softball program holds a higher academic expectation. Our goal is for all athletes to maintain grades between 80–100 in every class. Grades in the 70–79 range are considered a buffer and indicate that academic support is needed. Any athlete with a grade in this range may be required to attend study hall or tutoring, provide documentation of academic support, or include the coaching staff in communication with teachers regarding plans to improve grades. Our intent is to support our athletes in developing strong academic habits and ensuring success both in the classroom and on the field.

The Texas Way is a set of core values promoted by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) that emphasizes sportsmanship, integrity, respect, accountability, and teamwork in all school activities. It represents the expectation that student-athletes compete with pride, treat others with respect, and represent their school and community with class—win or lose. At Young Women’s Academy Softball, we include The Texas Way in our newsletter to reinforce the standards we hold for our athletes both on and off the field. These values guide how we practice, compete, communicate, and support one another, helping our athletes grow not only as players, but as leaders and young women.

Coach Ashley Perez and her father, Coach Rick Perez, are entering their third year coaching at Young Women’s Academy, and softball truly is a family affair for the Perez team. You’ll often spot Coach Ashley’s mother in the stands as well, faithfully keeping the official score at every game. YWA is incredibly grateful to have such a dedicated and passionate coaching duo leading our athletes. In just their second year, Coaches Perez helped guide YWA Softball to its first-ever Bi-District Championship in any sport, a historic achievement for our school. Coach Ashley brings a Division I playing background and a bold vision for the program, with a strong emphasis on exposure and travel opportunities—highlighted this season by our upcoming tournament in Tucson, Arizona. Her energy, experience, and high standards are felt in every practice and every rep. In addition to softball, Coach Ashley also coached YWA Middle School Volleyball during their undefeated season and currently serves as a coach at Charles Murphee School.

🎉 Congratulations to Coach Ashley Perez, who was named the 2025 Outstanding Coach of the Year by the El Paso Fast-Pitch Softball Hall of Fame—a well-deserved honor recognizing her impact on athletes and the sport.

Favorite Snack: Reese’s Cups
Favorite Color: Black
Favorite Reason for Coaching: Building strong relationships with the girls

Come back weekly to find out about our other coaches too.

Coach Ashley Perez - amperez2@episd.org

Coach Yesenia Chavez - ychavez4@episd.org

Coach Andrea Aguirre - aaguirr2@episd.org