Braden River Pirates ink letters of intent

BRADEN RIVER — In a matter of months, outfielder Kelly Machuca will be thrust into a world unlike any other.

For the first time, he’ll be forced to rely on self-motivation as a means to compete with some of the nation’s elite. But, although it’ll be unlike anything he’s experienced before, the Braden River High senior is up for the challenge.

On May 3, Machuca signed a national letter of intent to play baseball for West Virginia Wesleyan College.

“It feels amazing,” Machuca said. “It’s such a relief to be able to continue playing something I love so much in a more competitive environment. I’m just looking forward to the travel and being in a more competitive atmosphere. It’s a totally different world.”

Machuca, who plans to major in chemistry with the hopes of pursuing a career in pharmacy, chose West Virginia Wesleyan over four Florida schools based on his initial visit to the campus.

“The coach was so nice and heartfelt,” Machuca said. “The people seemed really genuine and true to the nature of what a human should be.”

Machuca began playing baseball when he was 9 years old after deciding to quit playing soccer. Since then, Machuca, who also is a martial arts world champion, has only continued to excel on the field.

Now, Machuca is hoping to make an immediate impact on the Bobcats when he arrives on campus this fall.

“It’s pretty much a fair game,” Machuca said. “It’s about whoever comes up and performs. It’s up to you. I just really have to push myself to be all that I can be and not accept anything less than my best.”

Machuca isn’t the only Pirate to see his dreams of playing at the next level come to fruition.

On May 8, Nathan Kirkman signed a national letter of intent to play football for Brevard College, in Brevard, N.C.

“Just knowing that all of my hard work playing football has paid off and my dream of playing college football somewhere is really nice,” Kirkman said.

Kirkman, also a weightlifter, recently finished second in the 199-pound weight class of the Class 2A state finals, chose Brevard over a handful of smaller schools because of its size and location.

Kirkman began playing football about eight years ago after watching a friend play. His friend asked him to join the team, and from that point on the Pirates linebacker has only further developed his passion for the sport.

“I love it,” Kirkman said. “I love getting out there and hitting people.”

Kirkman, who plans to major in exercise science, will be spend the summer training and preparing to compete at the next level.

“It’s hard not to be out there,” Kirkman said. “I’m looking forward to getting the pads back on. I miss hitting people. I just want to get up there and get started.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].