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CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Corpus Christi United Little Miss Kickball League held its end-of-season ceremony Sunday at Bill Witt Park, where organizers paid tribute to Eriya Ruiz with a special scholarship in her name.
Ruiz was a member of the Blue Angels kickball team before she died in June 2023.
Corpus Christi police said Ruiz was stabbed multiple times by her ex-boyfriend, Justin Alex Tovar. Since then, Ruiz’s family has been pushing for answers and looking for ways to preserve her memory.
Kathryn Trevino and Ava Segura, longtime friends of Ruiz and recipients of the scholarship, said the award means more than just financial support.
“She was a great person,” Trevino said. “We’re really close to her, and I’m the one who holds her jersey every game, hanging up, and I’m really honored to get it.”
Both Trevino and Segura said that even after they age out of the league, the memories they shared with Ruiz will always hold a special place in their hearts.
“I say whenever she caught her very first ball in outfield and right field,” Segura said when asked by 3NEWS about her favorite memory of Ruiz.
Trevino said that although it’s hard not seeing her friend anymore, she feels Ruiz is still with her.
“Over here we have her memorial over there, um, just to keep her name alive. She’s not gone ever over here,” Trevino said, reflecting on the memorial built in Ruiz’s honor.
