In the midst of what has been a highly successful season for the Parkland High School softball team, senior Samantha Martinez has been one of the team’s top performers.
Martinez is the team’s top pitcher, plays first base and has been a consistent performer on offense.
The 32-6 Matadors are the lone El Paso team left in the 2026 Texas UIL playoffs and play Fort Worth’s Brewer High School on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, in a Class 5A, Division 2 regional semifinal matchup in Andrews. The winner will advance to the regional final vs Abilene Wylie or Joshua. The regional final is scheduled for May 14-16.
Parkland was co-champions in District 2-5A with Del Valle.
What to know about Samantha Martinez
What Parkland coach Will Montano sais about Samantha Martinez
“Samantha is a tremendous leader for us; she competes at a high level, and she will do whatever it takes to help the team,” Montano said. “Samantha moved to the leadoff spot in our lineup and has been great. As a pitcher, she has done great things in her career and has gotten better every year.”
What does Parkland’s Samantha Martinez have to say
“This year has been fun. We have tremendous chemistry and for me as a senior, having the success we’ve had means a lot,” Martinez said. “For me, being mentally strong and working hard every day is key. I want to be the best pitcher, hitter and teammate I can be. I’m excited for the next round of the playoffs, we’ve been solid all season long and we’re ready for the moment.”
3 other key players for Parkland softball team
What Stephanie Flores said
“After our win against Wichita Falls Memorial last week, our confidence has grown even more,” Flores said. “We have put it all together this season. We want to keep pushing forward and I believe we will play well this weekend.”
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso’s Parkland HS softball team seeks more postseason success
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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