SMCC Softball Standouts Moore, Gutierrez Sign with Four-Year Schools

South Mountain Community College softball sophomores Jaymie Moore and Vanessa Gutierrez have committed to four-year institutions to continue their collegiate softball careers. Both enjoyed tremendous success at SMCC and are Cougars forever.

Sophomore Jaymie Moore will continue her collegiate softball career at Ottawa University in Phoenix, an NAIA institution. The Spirit finished 10-13 in 2020, hosting several tournaments.

"My goals are to work hard and hopefully perform well," said Moore. "Going to a four-year university is nerve-wracking, but I am excited to do it and think I will do great."

In the abridged 2020 season, Moore batted .333 with one home run, eight RBIs, 14 runs, seven stolen bases, three doubles, 10 walks and a .974 fielding percentage. She posted seven multi-hit games, including a season-high three hits twice. In 2019, Moore batted .362 with six doubles, two home runs, 27 RBIs, two stolen bases and a .974 fielding percentage.

Playing for SMCC head coach Brittney Matta in 2020, Moore enjoyed the enthusiasm and passion the first-year coach brought to the program.

"There were many great memories, but the main thing was when we did something good, our coaches would be the most excited people on the field," Moore said. "Coach Matta has so much passion for the game, and whether she was upset or happy, we knew she was always there for us. She has a positive mentality and knows the right things to say."

"Jaymie has one of the most contagious attitudes I have ever been around," said Matta. "I will be sad to see her leave but excited to see her thrive at the next level. She will most definitely bring energy, knowledge and an absolute cannon to the outfield at OUAZ."

Moore started playing the game when she was eight and, after a stint at shortstop, made her way to center field. Patrolling the grass is where she feels most comfortable.

"From center field, you can see the whole field. You can see where the pitch is going and how the play develops. You are in control of the defense and get to run a lot," Moore added.

After she hangs up her cleats, Moore hopes to pursue a career in teaching English and coaching high school or club softball. She counts "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Outsiders" among her favorite books. In 2020, she earned NJCAA All-Academic Student-Athlete Third Team honors for her work in the classroom.

"I want to thank all the coaches I have had at South Mountain Community College," Moore concluded. "Coach Matta and her staff showed me how much passion goes into the game. Seeing their passion on the field got me excited to play, and I appreciated it."

Sophomore Vanessa Gutierrez heads to Christian Brothers University, an NCAA Division II institution in Memphis, Tenn. The Buccaneers were 9-17 in 2020 and compete in the Gulf South Conference. Gutierrez has never been to the city but is prepared for the onslaught of barbecue.

"I am excited to get the opportunity to continue playing while working towards my academic goals," said Gutierrez. "I will probably major In biochemistry or something along those lines. I want to pursue a career in clinical pharmacy and work in hospitals."

Gutierrez served as the team's top pitcher in 2020, logging a team-high 77.2 innings with a 5-9 record with a save. She posted 31 strikeouts and a 2.61 ERA in nine starts.

"It was great to work Coach Matta and her staff," Gutierrez added. "Coming in as a new coach, she had a different style, and I enjoyed it. She and her staff are passionate about the program and making sure we improved throughout the year."

In 2019, she appeared in 28 games and made 23 starts in the circle. She finished 10-13 with a 4.63 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 139 innings of work.

"Vanessa is a workhorse. In the classroom and on the field of play, she is quiet but mighty," Matta said. "I had a blast seeing her open up and trust in the process. She will add tremendous experience and skill to CBU, but we will miss her at SMCC."

Gutierrez started playing the game around the age of eight because her mom played the sport. A lifelong pitcher, she enjoys the constant action and thinking that the circle requires. Her favorite pitch to throw is a drop ball, and she also has a fastball, changeup, curve, rise ball and screwball in her arsenal.

"When I first started playing, I fell in love with pitching. I like that there always something going on and that you have to think and focus at all times. I could get bored at another position, but as a pitcher, there is something constantly going on."

In 2020, Gutierrez and Moore got a chance to work with SMCC assistant coach Chelsea Gonzales, who will represent Mexico in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. Softball will return to the Olympics for the first time since 2012, and Gutierrez is excited to watch her former coach.

"I am super excited to see the Olympics return. I enjoy watching softball on TV already, so getting a chance to watch Coach Gonzales play will be cool," Gutierrez said. "I would like to thank Coach Matta and the staff for helping us improve as players in a fun environment. I will miss South Mountain Community College."