Sophomore shortstop Aleis Gonzalez is a key member on this year’s varsity softball team. She has been playing since she was only eight years old but has been around the sport for her entire life.
Gonzalez loves a lot about softball, but notes that fielding and making great plays are her favorite above all. “I find so much satisfaction in being able to stop hitters from scoring or even making it on base with a little glovework and footwork,” she said. She admits that the sport isn’t for everyone, understanding that it’s a unique game. However, she says the game is very much for her, and she loves it. “I love having the softball IQ, always to be ready and aware of the next play,” she said.
When asked about her team at KO, Gonzalez had nothing but good things to say. She explained that the team is an extremely tight-knit and hardworking group. “I like how we can put aside any personal matters and focus together the moment we hit the field,” she said. This applies whether a game is going the team’s way or not. “We are all always there to pick up and support each other like a family,” Gonzalez said.
When asked why Gonzalez is such a crucial player on the team, Head Coach Jason Bradley, without hesitation, simply said, “guts.” He also noted how she’s a model for other players. “Aleis is a silent leader,” Coach Bradley said. “ She lets her play actions do all the talking for her.”
Gonzalez, being such a talented player, has aspirations to play softball after high school. She hopes to play in college while she also pursues a degree. Sports teach many valuable lessons to players. “Most coaches would say they would take eight more of her on their team,” Coach Bradley said. “She is fearless, she just gets it done on every level, and never quits, complains, or has anything bad to say.”
When asked what lessons softball has taught Gonzalez, she confidently answered. “It’s taught me that the little things you do matter and they add up slowly,” she explained. That is an application in not just softball but life. She also mentioned the saying “practice makes perfect” and how she truly believes in its words. That said, she also had another lesson. “Sometimes it’s the little things you focus on that have the most impact, and you don’t always have to try to fix things overnight,” she said.
Softball has always been a large part of Gonzalez’s life, something she reflects on fondly, saying she’d never change it. “I have bad games sometimes, but I will always love the sport,” she said. She also says she hopes that more students will come out to support her and the team at games.
Sophomore pitcher Alexis Nisyrios praised Gonzalez and her commitment to the team. “Gonzalez is a critical player on this team,” Nisyrios said. “She is a key spot in our lineup and a beast in the field.”
