It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Odessa - Texas State Historical Marker gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Odessa, DE is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder without Always Best Care in my life, I have COPD and I am on oxygen full time at level 4 so doing daily chores are out question without my caregiver Ricci Anthony who has been taking tremendous care of me for 3 years this August 2022 and I thank God everyday for him. Every time he arrives he immediately says Hi checks in with me to see how I am doing. As well as, every time he departs I thank him for all that he does for me and I tell him I love him Ricci replies in same likeness. Ricci and I are incredible friends, it’s closer to a dad and son relationship. We’re both strong Christian me. As for Chelsea who does Intake and is the Schedules for Always Best Care equally an amazing individual. Don’t let her young age fool you on the contrary she is a powerhouse. She’s highly a professional, she’s industrious, highly intelligent, she’s a great friend and you can always depend on her to be in support for you. Always Best Care is always best care.”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lawndale Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Flair Taverna or visit Chris Kyle Memorial, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Odessa, DE, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Odessa, DE understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Odessa, DE 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
After completing The Holdsworth Center’s two-year leadership program, Ector County ISD Principal Intern Denise De Loera has been named a “Champion of Hope” and was honored with five other alumni at the Austin-based nonprofit’s gala May 7 in Houston.Holdsworth says it transforms education through its leadership development programs to strengthen principals, superintendents, administrators and teachers.De Loera, who is at Pease Elementary currently, was recognized for her efforts to close achievement gaps,...
After completing The Holdsworth Center’s two-year leadership program, Ector County ISD Principal Intern Denise De Loera has been named a “Champion of Hope” and was honored with five other alumni at the Austin-based nonprofit’s gala May 7 in Houston.
Holdsworth says it transforms education through its leadership development programs to strengthen principals, superintendents, administrators and teachers.
De Loera, who is at Pease Elementary currently, was recognized for her efforts to close achievement gaps, mentor teachers and inspire students to dream big and break generational cycles of poverty through educational success. She will be principal of Zavala Elementary next year. She estimated that there will be 700 to 800 students attending.
Being named a Champion of Hope was an honor and humbling.
“Holdsworth has seen in me what I strive to bring to my work every day, and that’s hope and belief in people and a commitment to transformational leadership. … This recognition reminds me that the work we’re doing matters and that it energizes me to keep pushing forward.”
De Loera is very excited and honored to be able to serve as principal of Zavala next fall. The campus will be going back to a kindergarten through fifth grade campus.
“I feel that with this experience of being a principal intern, I have received the proper training of being able to shadow a principal and work side by side to see how she handles day-to-day situations. That allows me to be reflective on how I will lead Zavala this upcoming year,” she said.
She spent her first day on campus in April with students on hand, which she said was a really neat experience.
“My biggest goal right now, since I have the rest of this semester and the summer, I want to be able to meet the students and start remembering their names, because I think it’s important to be called by your name instead of just hey friend and not something so vague. I think it makes an impact when they know that you know their names,” De Loera said.
She added that she will be able to get guidance from Pease Principal Micah Arrott and Zavala Principal Tanya Galindo.
“The beautiful thing about this is, I feel that I’ve built a good network with leaders at the previous campus that I was at, at this campus, and even Zavala’s current principal. They’ve all told me that I can reach out to them in case I have any questions. There’s evident mentorship in the district, even though it’s not assigned. They’re willing to guide me through this transitional year,” De Loera said.
She added that the Holdsworth experience has been game-changing.
“I’ve worked with them for two years through the campus leadership program, and I’ve also have worked with them through the aspiring principal pilot year. Through the two years that I participated in the intensive leadership training and the executive coaching, it’s really pushed me to grow, both personally and professionally. The program challenged me to reflect deeply, to lead with vision and clarity and to prioritize systems that build strong school culture. The Holdsworth program does a really good job at taking all of the elements that are part of leadership and breaking it down and give you that opportunity to find your areas of strength, your areas of weakness and give you the tools to grow as a leader,” De Loera said.
Winning the award means she’s an example to others in her position or who aspire to be in her position.
“But most importantly, I think it’s valuable for the students. I think it’s important for them to see representation, and I feel that with this grand honor of being awarded a Champion of Hope, and to be able to tell my story, students see a little bit of themselves in me, and that it inspires them to dream big and achieve and not to see any limitations, ” De Loera said.
She added that she didn’t plan to become a principal. It happened organically.
“I don’t take this responsibility lightly, and I hope that I’m able to … make an impact on on these students, on the community,” De Loera said.
Her first year of teaching was 2018 and her first year in administration was 2022.
She said the mentoring she’s received has been amazing.
“Not only have I been paired up with incredible leaders, but also an amazing staff who has allowed me to learn from their approach when it comes to the learning of students, and what they focus on … I’ve learned a lot about different programs,” De Loera said.
Pease is known for Blended Learning and Zavala will be implementing it next fall. Blended Learning enables students to learn with electronic and online media as well as face-to-face learning.
“I’m really blessed that I was given this opportunity to see it fully implemented on this campus. That way, I’m better prepared to guide teachers in the implementation at Zavala,” De Loera said.
Something that stood out to her about Zavala was the pride students, teachers and staff have in the school.
“I think this school is well established. It’s a school that serves families that have been in Odessa for multiple generations. When I first met the faculty … it felt like a family. I was welcomed with open arms. One of the things I told them was I’m here to support you, and in return, they said, we’re here to support you. That was very neat to experience. … I’m eager and I’m excited to be part of that,” De Loera said.
She earned an associate degree at Western Wyoming Community College and a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Wyoming. De Loera got alternatively certified from University of Texas Permian Basin, and a master’s degree in educational leadership, also from there.
Melissa Ludwig, senior communications manager with the Holdsworth Center, said De Loera was an example of someone spreading hope, cultivating hope in their community and doing whatever it takes to “walk alongside people and help them, especially teachers … be effective in their roles.
“Just by being there for them and encouraging them, she has really sparked a sense of hope within the school community that she’s in now. I have no doubt that she’ll do the same when she’s principal of Zavala next year,” Ludwig said.
Those chosen for the award are principals, assistant principals and superintendents.
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) -Cinco de Mayo is tomorrow, and the Hispanic Heritage of Odessa got a head start with the celebrations yesterday.They had a parade near Downtown Odessa.About ten parade floats participated in the event.This is to celebrate the culture and tradition of Hispanic heritage.The parade brought music, entertainment, and celebration through Odessa.This is to celebrate the culture and historical significance of Cinco de Mayo.“We celebrate anything we can, and so if we can just go ou...
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) -Cinco de Mayo is tomorrow, and the Hispanic Heritage of Odessa got a head start with the celebrations yesterday.
They had a parade near Downtown Odessa.
About ten parade floats participated in the event.
This is to celebrate the culture and tradition of Hispanic heritage.
The parade brought music, entertainment, and celebration through Odessa.
This is to celebrate the culture and historical significance of Cinco de Mayo.
“We celebrate anything we can, and so if we can just go out, Cinco de Mayo is important and great for us to share our culture and colors. Just show our appreciation for our own country,” said Suzette Trujillo.
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. It commemorates the Mexican army’s win against France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
“It’s a big celebration on September 16th because it is freedom for independence from Mexico, but Cinco de Mayo is when France fought against Mexico and Mexico won,” said Jesse Porras, Coordinator of Parades.
This was an opportunity for community members to spend time together and celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
“A greater sense of community. Everybody gets to know each other better. You learn how to interact with people that you don’t usually see. It’s about having a great time,” said Miguel Iniguez, Student, Permian High School.
The organizer says Cinco de Mayo brings back memories of family members spending time together during this time of year.
“It brings sad memories to myself. I had some deceased family members, but other than that, we are coming back, we are coming back to celebrate because this is something that our culture has put together,” said Jesse Porras
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It's a day rich in cultural and historical significance for the local Hispanic community.ODESSA, Texas — Hundreds of Odessa residents came together Friday to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a day rich in cultural and historical significance for the local Hispanic community.The annual event, organized by the Hispanic Heritage of Odessa, kicked off downtown with music, food and vibrant decorations. Though widely recognized for its festive atmosphere, Cinco de Mayo honors the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the B...
It's a day rich in cultural and historical significance for the local Hispanic community.
ODESSA, Texas — Hundreds of Odessa residents came together Friday to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a day rich in cultural and historical significance for the local Hispanic community.
The annual event, organized by the Hispanic Heritage of Odessa, kicked off downtown with music, food and vibrant decorations. Though widely recognized for its festive atmosphere, Cinco de Mayo honors the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It was a moment often associated with the ideals of freedom and democracy.
Permian High School students began the day by decorating trees downtown with streamers and flowers, setting the stage for a day of celebration.
Later, the festivities moved to Floyd Gwin Park, where Odessa High School students helped prepare the community center for an annual luncheon. That event featured a mariachi band, a buffet, speeches, an awards ceremony and a special proclamation from Odessa’s mayor officially recognizing Cinco de Mayo in the city.
“We do this to keep our kids informed on what we do in Mexico,” said Jesse Porras, an event coordinator with Hispanic Heritage of Odessa.
For many attendees, the celebration was about more than just a party.
“We go to Mexico with my family and celebrate at my grandma’s house,” said one local student. “We have a party and blast music.”
Another student shared his favorite part of the celebration: “We eat Mexican food like tacos and burritos. My favorite is tamales.”
“My favorite song during Cinco de Mayo is anything by Selena,” another student added.
While some mistakenly believe Cinco de Mayo marks Mexico’s Independence Day, it actually commemorates a specific military victory. Still, the day remains a time to reflect on heritage, community and cultural pride.
The celebrations will continue Saturday with a parade beginning at 11 a.m. at Murphy and Texas streets and concluding at the La Margarita Festival Grounds.
For Odessa College’s Robert De La Garza, it’s been a night and day difference between this season and last year.Last year, the infielder from Eagle Pass only saw action in eight games total.Now, he’s one of the biggest impact players for the Wranglers, working his way up to leadoff hitter and is currently in the top 10 in base hits.So far this spring, De La Garza has scored 41 runs while registering 48 hits including 16 doubles and five triples along with four home runs and 30 RBIs.He’s had...
For Odessa College’s Robert De La Garza, it’s been a night and day difference between this season and last year.
Last year, the infielder from Eagle Pass only saw action in eight games total.
Now, he’s one of the biggest impact players for the Wranglers, working his way up to leadoff hitter and is currently in the top 10 in base hits.
So far this spring, De La Garza has scored 41 runs while registering 48 hits including 16 doubles and five triples along with four home runs and 30 RBIs.
He’s had 112 at bats and 130 plate appearances from the 30 games he’s played in thus far for Odessa College.
De La Garza is currently ranked seventh in base hits in the JUCO nation, tied for sixth in triples and seventh in doubles.
His impact has helped the Wranglers to a 22-9 overall, 14-2 in Western Junior College Athletic Conference showing where the team is currently tied for second with New Mexico Junior College.
As for his improvement, De La Garza said last year was just a matter of learning from his teammates.
“It was just learning last year from Antonelli (Savattere), the second baseman and the teammates,” De La Garza said. “All credit goes to them. It helped me push myself and become a better leader.”
While everything has paid off for De La Garza this spring, he’s not surprised by how much he’s improved since last year.
“I know I’m a good ball player but working all offseason, I felt like I had a good chance to do well,” De La Garza said. “The dream is the division one level and I’m hoping to go there.”
His training during the summer was just a matter of doing the same thing over and over.
“I just kept on getting bigger and stronger,” De La Garza said. “I kept working out. Baseball is all about repetition so I worked on hitting, defense and everything else.”
That also included a lot of strength and training.
“That was the major goal, to get bigger and stronger,” De La Garza said. “As for hitting, I kept working on my swinging and working to be as precise as possible.”
As for being the leadoff hitter for the Wranglers, De La Garza has embraced that role.
“It’s a good thing,” De La Garza said. “It helps set the tone early. I also feel confident because I have the guys behind me like Bustamante. I feel confident about getting on base and help setting the tone for the game.”
It was around the time conference play began when De La Garza started finding himself in the leadoff position more often.
He’s been trying to make the most of his second year at Odessa College and is hopeful of landing a NCAA Division I offer soon.
“I told myself that I have to work hard,” De La Garza said. “With conference play starting up, I had to help myself and get to a division one school. My teammates have helped and that’s a good thing.”
Odessa College head coach David Wood, who is currently in his first season with the Wranglers, hasn’t been surprised by De La Garza’s performance.
“We knew he was going to be good,” Wood said. “I don’t think you can ever predict when someone is going to be top 10 in the nation in base hits, hitting .430 and doing everything that he’s doing. But he keeps riding the wave and it’s been nice to watch.”
Since the start of conference play, the Wranglers have been on a run, sweeping three consecutive series in a row including last week’s victories against Western Texas College.
The Wranglers’ two losses in conference play came against nationally-ranked Midland College last month in a series split against the Chaparrals.
De La Garza talked about what has helped his team improve.
“It starts with the coaching,” De La Garza said. “Coach (Wood) has helped push us and the pitchers have been great for us. They’ve been throwing strikes and we’ve been getting hits. We’ve struggled at times but we just want to keep things going as best as we can.”
The Wranglers will try and keep up their momentum when they face Frank Phillips College (8-26, 2-14) in a four-game series beginning with a doubleheader at noon Friday at Wrangler Ballpark.
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