Vivi Marquez has been a vital new addition to the Wright State softball lineup as a power hitting designated player this season.
Marquez transferred from Rock Valley College in her hometown of Rockford, Illinois. Her brother Adrian is an outfielder for the Raider baseball team, and WSU baseball coach Greg Lovelady talked to Marquez about the softball program before she joined the team. From there she contacted WSU softball coach Lynn Curylo.
Marquez had the team’s second highest batting average during the regular season, which contributed to her earning second team all Horizon League honors.
“At first I didn’t expect anything from it. When they announced I was second team I was really excited because I had to learn a lot of new things in the Wright State softball system,” Marquez said. “I had to adjust to a lot just from moving and living on my own. Coming here, playing and winning that award really is an honor.”
Marquez credits her teammates for developing her into a player capable of the accolade.
“Hanna Floyd, the seniors and Becka Peterson helped me adjust to all the changes that I had to go through,” Marquez said. “They pushed me to be better everyday and not just average.”
One example of the team support for Marquez could be heard when they were audibly cheering “Vivi Marquez” or “We want some Vivi” from the dugout.
“When I’m down on myself they’re always there to pick me up,” Marquez said. “It’s always nice being able to hear my name when they’re cheering for me in the dugout.”
With this being her first season as a Division I player Marquez has enjoyed the newer experiences of playing at a higher level of competition and taking long bus trips.
On a day off from playing softball a few weeks ago, Marquez and some of her teammates demonstrated the fun-loving personality the Raiders have shown this season by recording their swings during batting practice. The most notable video clip was of Marquez hitting a ball deep toward the fence and flipping her bat in slow motion.
The video quickly became a hit on social media, and was even liked by Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista, who had a notorious bat flip in last season’s MLB playoffs. Throughout the season video shot by the players has captured the team dancing and celebrating key victories to name a few moments.
“That is what I really like about this team,” Marquez said. “We’re serious on the field, but outside of softball we hang out and have fun. Making those videos made our team closer.”
The Raiders season ended Saturday after a 5-4 defeat to Valparaiso on the final day of the Horizon League tournament.
With the ability Marquez showed to hit the ball toward the fences during this season, she will likely be one of the leaders of a Raider lineup that returns several key hitters next season.
