Senior Kia Moore slid at the plate for a run against East Carolina earlier this season. The JUCO transfer has patrolled right field for the Miners for two seasons. (Image: Jeff Taylor)

There are players that come as transfers that don’t produce, and then are players like senior outfielder Kia Moore. Moore has brought a wealth of experience and hitting ability to the Miner softball team that has needed strength at bat.

The senior has averaged a .317 batting average and brought in 22 RBI’s while at UTEP. Moore brings experience from playing junior college softball at Central Arizona Community College, where she was selected third team all conference and a stand out student in academics. Moore was able to accomplish her goals academically while securing herself onto the UTEP softball team.

This year, Kia Moore has been an integral part of the UTEP softball team by adding some consistent hitting and a positive attitude.

“We saw her play at a fall tournament and we wanted her since her freshman year. We wanted her to come and she wanted to come, but the coach never relayed the message,” said co- head coach Kathleen Rodriguez. “And now she’s grown up a lot here as woman and as athleticism.”

The Miners have had a rough outing this season, but Moore has been a solid piece in the offense and defense of UTEP’s softball squad. Moore has played outstanding this year and has shown real leadership and commitment on the field.

Moore didn’t get off to an early start like the rest of her teammates; she only started playing softball in high school.

“She didn’t start playing softball until she was a freshman in high school,” said Rodriguez.

Along with a late start, Moore was in danger of not being able to play because of pain in her throwing arm. Fortunately, she was able to overcome the pain and play for the Miners.

Upon her arrival at UTEP, Coach Rodriguez told Moore that she was going to have to teach her how to throw a softball and swing a bat correctly. This setback in mechanics never stopped Moore from playing fundamental softball.

In spite of Moore’s inexperience, she has come through for her team, even in this difficult season they have had. She has been able to come in second in runs for UTEP scoring 30 times and hitting 46 times.

The Miners have been lucky to have an experienced and mature player like Moore on their side. The season, of course, could have turned out a lot better, but it wouldn’t have been without Moore on the team. Her hard work and determination has led this UTEP team to wins that wouldn’t have been possible.

“The work this child brings everyday is fantastic,” said Rodriguez. “It’s just a shame that we didn’t have her for the three years. Whenever you have a junior college transfer, you always feel kind of cheated because you want them around a little bit longer.”

The Miners will no doubt miss Kia Moore, but they have been lucky to have had such a hard worker and talented player on their squad.

Gus Contreras can be reached at show@minerillustrated.com.