ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

When it was announced that the Hudson County Schools of Technology were eliminating their athletic programs last year, Angelique Nieves didn’t know where to turn.
The standout softball player had already attended three schools during her high school years and Nieves felt comfortable and at home at High Tech, where she was a standout slugging third baseman, twice earning Hudson Reporter All-Area honors and helping the Lasercats capture the Hudson County Tournament championship last year.
“The only thought on my mind at the time was where I was going to play my senior year,” Nieves said. “I was so upset. I was going to basically have to play for a team that had no clue who I was. I wasn’t looking forward to it. We had a great team at High Tech. We were going to try to win it [the county title] again. Unfortunately, things happen.”
Nieves remained as a student at High Tech, but was going to play softball at the school in her home district, namely Union City. It wasn’t going to be easy, a new kid in a new surroundings. She was going to have to leave High Tech in North Bergen and get to Union City on her own in time for practices and games.
“It really was such a hassle,” Nieves said. “It was hard to get there. Sometimes, the time frame is so short that it’s ridiculous trying to get from one place to the other. But I was going in with a positive outlook. I kept an open mind to it all. I just wanted to play.”
Nieves said that she heard good things from a mutual friend about the Union City softball program.
“My friend said that they were a good group of girls and that I’d be able to fit in,” Nieves said. “I did have a little bit of a worry and wondered if I would get some respect.”
It didn’t take long for Union City head coach Ray Coccioli to welcome Nieves with open arms.
“Some of the girls on the team knew her and the others knew of her,” Coccioli said. “We knew right away by the way she handled herself and carried herself, in practices and such, that she was going to fit right in and help us. She gained the others’ respect almost immediately. They could see what kind of player she was.”
Coccioli wasted little time and inserted Nieves at shortstop, which is her natural position.
“I could see how smooth she was at the position,” Coccioli said. “I think I could put her behind the plate or in the outfield and Angie could handle herself. But she was a natural at short. We needed her up the middle to control the infield.”
Nieves welcomed the shift to shortstop.
“Playing third base was a transition for me,” Nieves said. “I’m used to playing shortstop, so I was very happy. I just wanted to make a difference with my new team, establish myself as a good player.”
Nieves has done that – and more.
She’s become the instant leader for the Soaring Eagles and turned the program into a county championship contender, guiding Union City into the Hudson County Tournament semifinals.
Last week, Nieves was the hero in two Hudson County Tournament victories. Her home run gave the Soaring Eagles a win over Holy Family and her two-run double in the bottom of the eighth inning gave Union City a thrilling 10-9 win over Secaucus in the quarterfinals, setting up the showdown with surprising Ferris in the semifinals.
For the week, Nieves had 12 hits, including two homers, and collected nine RBI.
For her efforts, Nieves has been selected as The Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Week for the past week.
Nieves’ production for the Soaring Eagles has been almost unfathomable. She’s batting .680 for the season, with seven doubles, seven triples, seven homers and 35 RBI. She recently collected the 150th RBI of her career.
“She’s really been the key component to our success,” Coccioli said. “What she’s done this year is beyond amazing. I could tell she was a player, but I never expected this. I’ve never seen a girl play this well and do it consistently. It’s definitely been a smooth transition for her. It’s been a great thing to watch.”
Nieves had no idea she owned such a gaudy batting average.
“Sure, I’m surprised,” Nieves said. “It’s absolutely crazy. I never figured that. I guess it means I’m having one hell of a senior season. I had high hopes of going out with a bang, but I never anticipated this. With a new team? As good as this? No way.”
Coccioli loves the way Nieves has adopted her new team and teammates.
“Her play in itself motivates the others to play better,” Coccioli said. “But she is teaching the younger girls about the game. She’s so connected with the others. You would never think she just joined our team. She is such a teacher to the younger ones. She just gets it. She likes helping everyone and motivating everyone to reach their full ability.”
Nieves already has her future planned. Before the season started, Nieves signed a national letter of intent to attend Iona College on a softball scholarship.
“When I first made the decision to go to Iona, I felt a sense of relief,” Nieves said. “I didn’t want that decision to stand in the way of my senior year. I didn’t want to stress over it. I’m glad I made the decision and could enjoy the rest of the year.”
And it’s safe to say that Angelique Nieves is enjoying herself these days.
“I never thought it would turn out this good,” Nieves said. “I love my team. I love the way we’re playing. It’s turned out so much better than I could have expected. I just hoped for the best, but look what happened? It’s incredible.”
And now, Nieves has a chance to win her second consecutive county title. There aren’t many who can lay claim to that distinction.
“If it happens, that would be just unbelievable,” Nieves said. “But we have to take it one game at a time.”
After all the trials and tribulations, it’s safe to say that Angelique Nieves has finally found a home with the Union City softball team.
“Yeah, I’m pretty happy,” Nieves said.
As well she should be. – Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.