Selma High’s softball team is now nearing the end of its season, and its players are beginning to reminisce about the memories they’ve made on the field.
Junior Gabriella Pena has been playing softball for twelve years, and started playing because of her dad. She expressed her challenges throughout the season,
“[It was] just getting out of my own head,” explained Gabriella.
Despite her hardships, Gabriella cherished the sport and her teammates,
“Whether we lost or won, we had each other’s backs,” mentioned Gabriella.
Gabriella hopes that others will try softball, and gives some advice:
“At the end of the day, the ball doesn’t define you,” she said.
Senior Emma Galaviz has been in softball since she was five years old. She explains why she started playing:
“My older sister Dezy is the reason I started playing softball. I always looked up to her and the things she did,” Emma explained.
Emma described the pressure of senior year,
“There was a lot of pressure knowing this would be my last season,” she described.
Despite this, Emma held pride in her effort this season,
“My greatest success so far has been my fielding,” she said.
Emma shares some advice for aspiring athletes.
“You don’t get better overnight; it comes from showing up to practice, working on the small details, and staying mentally locked in,” she explained.
Senior, Jayleen Sisavanh has been playing softball for ten years, and was inspired by her family to start playing. This season, she hoped to make it to valley and win.
“[My greatest success was] ending the season with a good record,” said Jayleen.
Jayleen plans to attend Fresno State and pursue a nursing degree, but this time, she’s dropping the game.
“I’ve made the decision of making school my main and only focus,” she stated.
Jayleen hopes for others to try, even if it’s difficult.
“Softball is a game of failure, and there will be ups and downs, but all my greatest memories are because of softball,” affirmed Jayleen.
