Anissa Gonzalez has much to be thankful for.

The Manteca High senior outfielder signed a letter of intent Wednesday to play softball next year for California State University, East Bay.

“It’s was No. 1 on my list,” Gonzalez said at signing event held at the Manteca High library.

She shared the special moment with her folks, Tina and Rick Gonzalez, sister Selena, Buffaloes coach Coey Navarro, Principal Frank Gonzalez, and Dean of Athletics Dave Smith.

“I’m looking forward to playing close to home,” said Gonzalez, who is leaning towards studying  business while at the Hayward campus.

Her folks are thrilled with the decision.

“We get to watch her play all the time,” said her father Rick.

For her mother Tina, she’s looking forward to continuing her role as team mom.

“I might not be the (CSU East Bay) team mom but I can still be the Gonzalez team mom,” she said.

Coach Navarro never had any doubts that Anissa Gonzalez’s ability to play at the next level.

He’s seen her play as youngster, having coached her older sisters Cassandra and Selena, who is currently playing softball for CSU Bakersfield.

“Anissa has the size and height. She has a great swing and is also a good athlete,” he said.

Navarro credited her father Rick for helping his standout player with developing her swing.

Anissa Gonzalez, as a junior, batted .426 with a .459 on-base percentage, 31 RBI, and scoring 24 runs.

Those numbers compare with her numbers playing travel ball, Navarro said.

For the past two years, Gonzalez has played for the Lady Hustle travel squad.

Navarro compares those teams as all-star team.

“The overall competition is strong in travel ball,” he added.

Navarro has no doubt that Gonzalez is ready to play at the collegiate level.