Vanessa Gomez (Santa Maria, Calif.) has signed a letter of intent to continue her softball career at Northwestern College next fall.

Gomez has had a standout four-year career playing for Pioneer Valley High School. The 5'5" corner infielder hit .536 with five doubles, four triples and 18 RBIs in earning first team all-league and first team all-area team honors. Gomez posted a .924 fielding percentage and was named the team's most valuable player. Also an honorable mention all-league selection as a sophomore, Gomez has earned Scholar Athlete honors the last three years and plans to major in Nursing at Northwestern. She is the daughter of Lou and Veronica.

"We are thrilled to have Vanessa join our program next fall," said Northwestern head coach Chris Nachtigall. "Vanessa comes from a very competitive softball background, both in high school and travel ball. She is a driven player and student who will fit in well with our team and campus community."