Former MC student-athlete enjoys World Series experience with Rangers

By Forrest Allen
MC Athletic Director

For former Midland College Lady Chap softball player Monique Corralez the 2011 MLB World Series bore special significance. Corralez played outfield for Midland College Coach Tommy Ramos from 2004-2006. She is currently employed with the Texas Rangers as an Community Outreach Assistant. Ms. Corralez works in the Foundation and Community Outreach Department of the club. Among her duties are working with the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation in various capacities including procuring signed team memorabilia items for the Foundation's Silent Auction, which raises money for scholarships for deserving students. Additionally, Ms. Corralez will make sure the scholarship monies are sent to the proper universities on the student's behalf. She also mans the auction booth during games in Arlington.

Corralez, a 2004 graduate of Midland Lee High School, graduated from the University of Texas - Dallas where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2008. During her time at UTD, she worked for the Frisco Roughriders of the Texas League (Rangers AA Farm Club). She interned for the Rangers beginning in January of 2010 and became an employee in March 2010.

Corralez credits her parents, Gracie and Moses, for providing her with a determination and her work ethic. Monique's personality is warm and engaging and she can always be seen smiling. Those traits are on fullest display when she and her fellow Community Outreach staffers go out to see school children. The Rangers are involved in several school based initiatives such as scheduled school visits and their storybook series. Its those aspects of the job that most excites Corralez who says, "the best and worst parts of my job are the irregular working hours. Its a double-edged sword. But I'm not one to work an 'eight to five' (job) sitting at a desk all day."

When asked about her experience with this year's MLB World Series, Corralez shared the highlight was "my all-expense paid trip to St. Louis for games one and two" of the series. She also enjoyed the opportunity to watch a complete game for a change. During the season's home games there are precious few opportunities to watch the games. Ms. Corralez also mentioned the atmosphere both inside and outside of the stadium, particularly outside which had people assembled all over the parking lot and the area immediately outside the Busch Stadium. Corralez say, "they had really good music" being played. She stated, "there was a true feeling of excitement" largely due to the St. Louis franchise having such a long, established history within the sport.

Monique Corralez at Busch Stadium in St. Louis

Ms. Corralez listed Rangers pitcher Derek Holland as one of her favorites players. She initially met Holland when she worked for the Roughriders during Holland's minor league years. Holland was teammates with former Midland College outfielder Tim Smith and it was Smith who introduced Holland to Corralez. Corralez and Smith attended Midland College together.

"He (Holland) is great with the kids and fans. He's exactly the same now as he was back then; just a good guy", she stated. Corralez also named two-time MLB All-Star second baseman, Ian Kinsler of the Rangers as one her favorites and cited that "I love to watch him play."

As for the future Corralez is very happy in her role with the Rangers and hopes for a long career with the club. Although she admits to being "spoiled" as a result of their two highly successful seasons in 2010 and 2011, including the club's two World Series appearances. "I feel connected to the success of the team", Ms. Corralez says. "I love seeing the excitement on the faces of the kids throughout the community during school visits. It's their team." she says.