Paying For College With Skill, Not Money

The price of a higher education is going up, making it difficult on students and their parents. That’s why some students in the Valley are focusing on their skills instead of raising money. A local baseball training facility is helping students hit an educational home run.

“Our goal is to get kids to the next level,” said Patrick Evans, manager of Sluggers Training Center.

Brianna Luna is a student atSluggers Training Center in Palm Desert. She also plays softball at La Quinta High School. She spends countless hours every week perfecting her skills. Now, her hard work is paying off with a scholarship to the University of Iowa.

“It’s amazing,” says Luna. “It’s a dream come true. This scholarship will really help myfamily.”

In these tough times, many children and their families can’t afford college tuition, but the training center helps students pay for school with skill.

“It would help tremendously, financially,” says Desiree Chavez, Indio High School softball player.

One of the biggest obstacles for ballplayers in the Valley is the heat. Once temps rise, practice is difficult. However, atSluggers, players practice year-round. It’s all indoors, so the focus is on technique and skill instead of the heat.

“In here, I work on my mechanics and trying to get better and improve my game,” says Luna.

“It’s helpful in the summer because it’s cool in here,” says Chavez.

Sluggers trains players of all ages on all aspects of softball and baseball. It’s a hardcore facility, for everyone from die hard players with major league dreams or those just playing for fun.

“It all depends on their skill level. I’ve had some clients all the way up to 75-year-olds coming in a swinging at the softball cages,” says Evans.

For players like Luna, training atSluggers means scoring a home run in life.

“I have accomplished my goals, it’s finally happening and coming true,” says Luna.