Texas High School Softball Star Dies After Cancer Battle

Southwest High School senior star softball pitcher Angelina Terrazas, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer in March, died Saturday night.

Terrazas was 17 years old. 

Known for her powerful competitive spirit that inspired her teammates to emulate her in every game, the team is remembering the leader they cherished like a sister. 

“She was just so in love with softball,” Southwest softball head coach Sandra Hernandez told the San Antonio Express-News. "That’s what she did, and everything revolved around softball for her. But, at the same time, she was an amazing student and an amazing sister. You wouldn’t believe how well she took care of her sister, and I think that motherly instinct she had with her sister transferred to her teammates. She took care of the underclassmen and gravitated towards them and built them up as softball players. It’s going to be tough without her, but the girls are trying to be strong.”

Terrazas’ cancer diagnosis came in March, after she pitched through the team’s district opener in pain in February. She fiercely struck out 14 batters in that appearance, leading the Dragons to a 7-0 shutout victory, but something internally was not right.

Upon visiting a doctor, the diagnosis of Stage 3 ovarian cancer was presented. She underwent surgery to have a mass, her left ovary, lymph nodes, and fallopian tube removed. Chemotherapy followed. 

After undergoing treatment during the spring, Terrazas felt strong enough to return to school. By April, she received clearance to join her teammates on the field for practice and could join in by shagging balls in the outfield. 

“Being able to pick up a glove and catch again feels amazing,” Terrazas told the San Antonio Express-News in April. “Softball is my whole world, and not being able to play it for the past two months has really hurt. “Being out here again with my team is nice. I’ve really missed it.”