OTHELLO — Tears of joy and excitement filled the library at Othello High School Friday after school. It was a special day for (pitcher) Nicky Martinez and (catcher) Mariah Deleon.

Martinez and Deleon were at the library to do a reenactment of their signing as collegiate athletes and for pictures with their families, coaches, mentors and friends.

Martinez is headed for the University of Hawaii, Deleon to Western Oregon University. It will be the first time they play softball separately.

Everyone gathered took pictures and praised the two young ladies for all their hard work and success. Lots of hugs and congratulations were passed along from one another. Fellow students were hugging and saying “good job” to Martinez and Deleon.

“Both of them are team players and have good work ethics,” OHS coach Steve Parris said. “Both girls work out after practice and don’t complain. They both are good kids.”

Martinez and Deleon have been paying softball together for more than 10 years. They have been friends every step of the way, from Little League to All-Stars. With Martinez pitching and Deleon catching, their teams were nearly unstoppable together.

They were striking out and tagging out the competitors together on a summer softball team in between school years. Going to school, playing softball, hanging out and practicing together has been their life for a long time.

“It’s going to be tough,” Deleon said. “I have always caught for Nicky. She has always been my pitcher, and now I have to create this bond with someone else. It’s going to be sad, but I am happy for Nicky.”

While playing college softball, Martinez and Deleon both want to major in biology and become nurses. They are excited for their futures.

This time next year, the best friends will be attending different schools and living their own lives, different journeys with the same passion.”

“(Softball) takes me to another world and pushes out the real world,” Martinez said. “It’s a challenge to succeed, but I can take it.”

Deleon said, “I find friendships with people I never knew. I love a lot of things about softball. Softball teaches discipline and that success doesn’t come easy.”

Deleon’s mother, Tina Deleon, said, “It’s going to be hard to watch her leave, but I am excited for her. She has been pushing for this since she was in T-ball.”

Deleon said, “My parents have put a lot of time and money into me playing softball, and now I can give back. I am getting an education and doing something I love because they helped me get here.”