At just three years old, Ariana Munoz stepped onto the softball field, a journey sparked by her older sister’s team needing an extra player. “I started playing softball when I was three years old. My older sister’s team never had enough players, so I would have to step up and play at a younger age,” Ariana said. Now, as a senior at Ada High School, her passion for the game remains as strong as ever.
Inspired by her sister’s love for softball, Ariana found her biggest influence close to home. “My sister is my biggest influence when it comes to softball. Even though she quit, she still loved the game and makes sure that I do too,” she shared. This familial bond has been a cornerstone of her athletic journey.
As a senior, Ariana is committed to guiding younger teammates, ensuring they understand drills and integrate smoothly into the team.
Ariana’s goals for the season are clear. “My goal is for us to get the job done and win as many games as we can,” she said, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and forging bonds.
Ariana’s role model is her mother, who has been her unwavering supporter both on and off the field. “She makes me a better person and a better player.” Her training regimen includes rigorous sessions with her mother, focusing on ground balls, pop flies and hitting.
One of the most challenging moments in Ariana’s career occurred during her freshman year at bidistricts. “Being a freshman and pitching was a lot of pressure, but my team was with me every step of the way,” she remembered. This resilience paid off, leading to memorable moments like playing at regionals with her best friend Trenity Duvall.
In five years, Ariana envisions herself completing her college softball career and pursuing a degree in the medical field or criminology. “Hopefully, by then God allowed me to have a great time playing softball and meet some amazing people,” she said.
Community support plays a significant role in Ariana’s performance. “It encourages us to play our hardest for those who come and watch,” she says. Her advice to younger players is simple yet profound: “Don’t give up. Even when it gets hard, keep going because it’s worth it in the end.”
