Even though LeeAnn Raney has only spent two years in Dos Palos, her family roots run deep in Dos Palos and Firebaugh.
And with a stellar high school softball career, the Dos Palos High senior will now move on to Division 1 softball.
The pitcher last week signed a Letter of Intent to attend the University of Arkansas—Pine Bluff. Present at the signing were Raney’s teammates, fellow students, and family members.
Raney and her family moved to Dos Palos two years ago from Washington state. Both of her parents were raised on the Westside as well as her grandparents.
So Bronco head softball coach Irene Lelandais was ecstatic when the pitcher moved back to town.
“From day one LeeAnn meshed well with our girls and easily became one of our best female athletes in the school,” Lelandais said.
In her first season of softball, Raney earned All League honors and was the team’s Most Valuable Player. She has pitched most of every game in the past two seasons. In 37 games, Raney has an ERA of 1.58, 17 wins, and an impressive 332 strikeouts.
“LeeAnn is a silent leader and leads by her actions,” Lelandais added. “She is one of the hardest workers on our team. I can personally attest to the fact that LeeAnn is a stellar students-athlete and Arkansas is lucky to have her. Our school, our softball program and our community are so extremely proud of her and excited for this next milestone. I would like to congratulate LeeAnn and her family on behalf of the entire DPHS staff and administration.”
Arkansas-Pine Bluff is a Historically Black College and was founded in 1873. The Golden Lions softball team is coached by Michael Bumbpers and competes in the Southwestern Althetic Conference.
Raney plans to major in kinesiology and hopes to become a teacher and a coach.
