By: Akasia Jackson
Sports Editor
This year, Ridgeview softball is focused on growth, teamwork, and determination. With a strong mix of experienced upperclassmen and younger returning players, the team is looking to improve and compete throughout the season. Players and coaches believe that with hard work, strong chemistry, and a positive mindset, Ridgeview softball has the potential to accomplish big goals this year.
Sophomore Valeria Perez has been playing softball since she was young and currently plays shortstop and catcher for Ridgeview. Perez explains that her interest in softball started after watching baseball and realizing there was a similar sport for girl’s. “I saw a lot of MLB games, and it looked really fun,” Perez said. “Then I found out about softball and started playing.” Perez says her father has had the biggest influence on her athletic career because he practices with her almost every day to help her improve. Her biggest strengths as a player are hitting and fielding, although she continues to work on improving her batting average. Perez says her favorite part about being on the team is the bond she shares with her teammates. One of her favorite memories this season is getting ready together before games and supporting each other.
Senior Mylie Navarrete has also been playing softball since she was young and currently plays center field for the team. Navarrete first became interested in softball while playing catch with her twin sister and brother, who both played baseball and softball. “They always needed someone to play catch with, and that’s what got me into it,” Navarrete said. She credits her father as the biggest influence on her athletic career because he pushes her to work hard and get extra practice. Navarrete believes her biggest strength as a player is her speed, which helps her cover a lot of ground in the outfield. This season, she is focused on improving her batting after struggling with her average last year. According to Navarrete, the toughest team Ridgeview will face this season will likely be Highland because of their strong pitching and talented hitters. “They have nonstop good pitchers and hitters,” Navarrete said.
Ridgeview softball coach Luis Ventura is entering the season with excitement and optimism. Ventura believes the team has improved thanks to a strong mix of younger returning players and experienced seniors. “We have a good combination of young players and senior leadership,” Ventura said. One of the team’s biggest improvements so far has been hitting, with the team averaging around ten hits per game. However, Ventura says the team still needs to improve its mental toughness when facing adversity. He is also looking forward to key rivalry matchups during league play, including games against Independence and Bakersfield High School. Ventura hopes the team can win at least nine games this season and make the playoffs, ending a drought that has lasted several years.
Ridgeview softball continues to work hard each day to improve and compete at a higher level. With strong leadership from the coaching staff and dedication from the players, the team hopes to build on its strengths and achieve its goals this season. Through teamwork, perseverance, and determination, Ridgeview softball is looking forward to finishing the season strong.
