Athlete of the Week: Steven Oliva

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Not many get to realize their dream of playing college baseball.

Even fewer from Guatemala get to do; something Steven Oliva doesn’t take for granted.

“We don't have the chance that much back home in Guatemala to do it, and thank God I have the opportunity to be here and play baseball and do what I love,” said Steven Oliva, UTRGV Junior Pitcher. “It's cool, it's nice.”

Steven left everything he knew behind and moved to the United States alone to follow his dream at 17.

“It was pretty tough at the very beginning. Getting used to being by myself, taking care of myself, cooking for myself,” said Oliva. “But I mean, at some point you have to grow.”

Oliva arrived at UTRGV from Hill College, where he was primarily a shortstop.

“Coach Martinez signed him as a shortstop,” said Derek Matlock, UTRGV baseball coach. “We saw how good his arm was, we're like, Dude, we can't waste that arm. We've got to develop that guy into the pitcher.”

Steven made 19 appearances this season. He shone at the Southland Conference Tournament. He posted a 2-0 record, struck out nine batters, and had the most innings pitched of any Vaquero pitcher.  

“He's a big-time competitor,” said Matlock. “He loves to compete. And then he's got an above-average fastball. You know, he's got to develop a secondary as he keeps learning how to pitch, but that's something he needs to get better at developing his secondary pitches.”

Having achieved his dream of playing collegiate baseball, Oliva has his hopes set on the big leagues.