Youth Academy athletes selected for MLB Develops Softball Breakthrough Series

Three of the Texas Rangers Youth Academy’s top softball players were selected to attend the invitation-only Breakthrough Series in Vero Beach. On Oct. 14, Ximena Zamarron, Tamya Waiters and Italia Ortiz will travel to the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Florida to be a part of this unforgettable experience.

Established in 2015 by MLB Develops and USA Softball, the Breakthrough Series is a softball development event that aims to provide instruction, mentorship and access to collegiate softball opportunities for student-athletes across the country. The free four-day event is designed to promote softball as a viable collegiate option for youth from underrepresented and underserved communities. The program focuses on developing players on and off the field through seminars, mentorship, gameplay, scout evaluations, video coverage and the highest level of instruction.

The 60 athletes from across the country invited to attend the Breakthrough Series will have the opportunity to work with U.S. Olympians, former National Team members and coaches during the weekend.

Representing the Rangers Youth Academy are three members of the Rangers RBI All-Star team, the pitcher Waiters, shortstop Zamarron and centerfielder Ortiz.

“I am looking forward to learning from pro and Olympic athletes as well as taking in every piece of knowledge they will share,” said Waiters. “From this awesome experience, I will make great memories and learn things that will help me be successful in the rest of my career.”

Waiters hopes to finish her final year of high school softball on a high note and continue to play at the collegiate level. She believes being selected for events like the Breakthrough Series will help her reach these goals.

“Being selected for the breakthrough series means that someone saw the potential in me and believes I can improve from this opportunity,” said Waiters. “I am grateful to be exposed to legends of this sport, and I’m honored and excited to be selected.”

Outfielder and 2021 Jennie Finch Classic champion Ortiz shared a similar sense of excitement, saying, “It’s a big deal for me to get selected for the Breakthrough Series. There are a ton of girls to choose from that are deserving of this nomination, and I’m forever grateful to get picked for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The Breakthrough Series will offer all the participants an opportunity to grow and use softball as a launching pad to attend college and play at the next level, an opportunity not lost on the Rangers Youth Academy athletes. “What I’m looking forward to most is meeting new people, learning new tips about the game, and getting advice from our mentors that will be training us," said Ortiz. "I’m excited to train and improve my game!"

Ximena, Tamya and Italia will leave Texas on Thursday, Oct. 14, to begin their weekend of on-field instructional programming and off-field lessons, returning from the Breakthrough Series on Sunday, Oct. 17.

Whataburger Rising Star Rafael Carbajal

Every year the Texas Rangers Youth Academy partners with Whataburger for the Whataburger Rising Stars Program, highlighting exceptional moments from the Rangers RBI season. This summer, nine athletes were recognized for sportsmanship, on-field performance, academic excellence and displays of perseverance and dedication.

Rafael Carbajal has been with the Youth Academy since it opened the West Dallas location in 2017. This season, Carbajal was selected for the Whataburger Rising Star award after a successful summer playing for Mercy Street in the Rangers RBI league. Mercy Street’s head coach nominated Rafael for his dedication to the Rangers Youth Academy and his outstanding pitching throughout the regular season.

“I was shocked and happy when I heard that I was a Whataburger Rising Star,” said Carbajal. “It is a big accomplishment. I may not be the best player on the field, but I always do my best when I play.”

Carbajal, an Uplift Heights Preparatory student, has multiple roles on the Mercy Street roster. He has experience at second, shortstop, catcher and had a stellar year on the pitcher’s mound. Not only does Rafael help the team on the field, but he works just as hard off the field to be a positive influence for his teammates.

“I think it is important to be well-rounded on and off the field to show that you are well educated and strive to become someone better in the future,” he said.

Carbajal’s favorite part of this season was practicing with his team, getting better every day and proving that he can field and hit the ball as well as anybody. Carbajal will continue to practice in the off-season and looks forward to more Rangers RBI baseball next summer.