EL PASO, Texas – UTEP softball head coach T.J. Hubbard announced the addition of right-handed pitcher Cat Bonilla and left-handed pitcher/first baseman Vanessa Nawracaj, who will join the Miners for the 2027 season.
The pair brings a decorated collection of high school and club experience to the UTEP program, with both pitchers earning success at the circle while also contributing offensively.
"Cat and Vanessa are two talented student-athletes who will bring a lot to our program," Hubbard said. "Both have proven themselves at a high level, and we're excited about the experience, competitiveness and versatility they will bring to the Miners. We can't wait to welcome them to El Paso and watch them continue to develop in the Orange and Blue."
Cat Bonilla | RHP | San Antonio, Texas
Bonilla comes to UTEP from South San Antonio High School, where she has helped lead the program to three consecutive District 28-5A championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025, as well as a 2025 Bi-District championship.
The San Antonio native has recorded 167 innings pitched with 166 strikeouts and a 1.70 ERA during her high school career. She is a two-time District 28-5A First Team All-District selection and has earned NFCA All-State honors.
In the classroom, Bonilla has been named to the A&B Honor Roll, earned NFCA Academic All-State honors and was recognized as an NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete in 2025.
At the club level, Bonilla has competed with Bombers Gold American 16U, helping the team capture the 2026 Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series title. She previously played for Bombers Ark-La-Tex 16U, helping the squad finish runner-up at the 2025 AFCS 16U Tier III National Championship. Bonilla was also named to the All-Tournament Team.
Vanessa Nawracaj | LHP/1B | Orlando, Fla.
Nawracaj joins the Miners from Windermere Preparatory School in Orlando, Florida, where she is a three-year varsity player and helped lead the program to a 2025 state championship.
The two-way standout has amassed 323.2 career innings in the circle with 637 strikeouts. During her junior and senior seasons, Nawracaj hit .407 while posting a 1.29 ERA in 27 appearances.
Nawracaj earned First Team All-Conference honors in 2024 and was named Metro Pitcher of the Year as a freshman in 2023.
She opened her senior campaign with an impressive eight-game stretch, posting a 0.00 ERA across 47.2 innings while striking out 94 batters. She finished the season ranked 12th in the state of Florida with a 0.74 ERA and recorded nine games with 10 or more strikeouts.
Nawracaj has also competed at the club level with Impact Caymol National Casstevens 18U, where she totaled 70 innings pitched and 107 strikeouts while batting .378. In June 2026, the team captured first place at the Easton Gold Invitational.
She also competed with Puerto Rico Fastpitch Club, helping the team win the 2025 Puerto Rico Fastpitch Cup while earning tournament MVP honors.
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