When Andrew Sotelo turned 18 on Oct. 21, he gave himself a memorable birthday present—making a verbal commitment to play for the Cal State University Los Angeles baseball program. Sotelo can sign his letter of intent on the first day of the official signing period on Nov. 11.
“I feel great about the decision,” said Sotelo, who has also been a standout on the football team as a cornerback and safety. “I like the coaches at Cal State LA, the campus, the facilities. It’s a good fit.”
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior said loyalty was a huge factor in his decision to commit to the Division II program and not wait out the year for other potential scholarship offers.
“I could’ve kept hunting and looking, but it would’ve been tough with the knee injury for me to get more looks,” he said. “It’s nice to get the decision out of the way now to give me some peace of mind the rest of my senior year.”
Sotelo will have surgery in mid-December for osteochondritis dissecans, a condition in which bone underneath the cartilage of a joint dies due to a lack of blood flow.
“I was up front with them about the surgery, and they still supported me and kept the scholarship (offer),” he said. “I’ll get my full tuition paid for, and it’ll be saving my parents a lot of money.”
Cal State LA went 28-20 last year, including 23-17 in the California College Athletic Association. Sotelo has enjoyed a decorated career starring for the both the baseball and football teams. He’s made the Monterey Bay League All-League teams in both sports, and coaches rave about his work ethic, hustle and consistent demeanor. Sotelo credited his parents, Anthony and Mindy, for showing him how to conduct himself through different life situations.
“They showed me how to carry myself and how to succeed with hard work,” Sotelo said. “I also thank all of my coaches for helping me get to where I’m at.”
Sotelo got noticed this past summer playing for the Watsonville Aggies traveling-ball team. The Aggies were playing at a tournament in San Diego, and Cal State LA pitching coach Chris Hernandez was in attendance. Later that day, Sotelo was offered a scholarship.
The next day, head coach Vince Beringhele watched Sotelo play. Hernandez actually traveled to Salinas last month to watch Sotelo play football at The Pit. The act wasn’t lost on Sotelo, who knew right there and then the Cal State LA program wanted him.
“It showed me it was the right place to go,” Sotelo said.
Cal State L.A. is getting a true gem in Sotelo, who displays Division I type talent. San Benito baseball coach Billy Aviles has praised Sotelo on several occasions for his determination, toughness, durability and attitude. Sotelo had a busy summer, playing 46 games for the Aggies while going to morning football practice and conditioning sessions.
All of that hard work has paid off in a big way. Sotelo displays playmaking ability in both sports, combining physical talent with a strong mental approach. Coaches like the way Sotelo handles himself, meaning he is a no-nonsense athlete whose only concern is doing the right things to help the team win. Sotelo said the key to playing well in games is staying loose.
“Once the game starts, I relax and everything comes naturally,” he said.
