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Hey Alejandra, very glad to have you here. Why don’t give us a quick intro about yourself?
I’m 20 years old and from Sacramento,CA. I started playing competitive softball when I was 10 years old (for the California Breeze). Prior to that I played baseball from 4-10 years old and competitive baseball while I played softball when I was 10.
What experiences growing up shaped you into the athlete that you are today?
I think being the only girl on all of my baseball teams really set the tone for me when it came to sports. I was taught at an early age how to handle adversity and to work harder than others to prove people wrong.
Who are your biggest influences?
My dad is definitely my biggest influence- especially when it comes to sports. He was my coach from 4-18 years old. But being the ‘coaches daughter’ never meant anything special. It meant he was on me way more than any other girl on the team. He expected way more out of me. But while that could be difficult at times, he taught me to never give up.
What was the spark of your desire to become an athlete while being a full-time student?
Growing up playing travel softball, the only thing you’re told is that your goal is to play college softball. You’re told to work your butt off, get recruited and dedicate 4 years to this sport at the next level. It’s not easy to be a full time student while playing a sport but I love constantly being busy and having things to do whether it be weights or group projects etc. I remember watching a college softball game when I was younger and I looked up to the girls. They were talented, they all looked like they were having fun, and it was a much higher level of competition…and I wanted that. I wanted to be a part of this new level of softball. I wanted to represent a quality university and learn to balance schoolwork and softball.
What is your daily routine on the field?
What is your daily routine on the field?On the field? We practice everyday for 2-3 hours then play 5 games a weekend (for preseason) or 3 (for conference). We have to lift weights 3 days a week with conditioning. But that’s not enough, most athletes- and especially our team- puts in a lot of extra work whether it’s an extra cardio or lifting workout 3-5 days a week or extra hitting or fielding a few days a week too.
What athletes do you look up to and why?
I’ve never really looked up to one specific athlete…I’ve had my favorite players from the Oakland A’s like Coco Crisp or Josh Donaldson. They were fun athletes to watch. Not only were they talented, but you could see how relaxed they were when they played and how they joked around with each other. You could tell they weren’t just in it for the money or fame- but because they loved the sport and wanted to compete. Growing up though, my favorite player was Miguel Tejada. He was a stud- great defensive player and could hit really well. I used to watch him play all the time with my dad and he’s the reason I chose to be #4 in softball.
What’s something that you’ve been working very hard on this year?
I’m coming back from a foot surgery I had at the beginning of the year and haven’t been able to see the field yet. It can be hard to watch everyone else play while you’re out but this preseason I’ve been working on staying positive and trusting that all of the work I’ve been putting in post surgery will pay off when I get my opportunity to play.
Give the readers the best advice that you have for future college athletes?
Always give everything your all. Never give up or half ass something. Hard work will always pay off whether it’s in the classroom or on the field. Trust yourself- you’re here for a reason.
Where do you see yourself doing after college, in a couple years?
I’m a couple of years I think I’ll be out of California and working for some magazine/paper/ TV station.
What do you plan to achieve with it/what are your goals?
My big long term goal is to eventually write for National Geographic Magazine.
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