ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jada Cruz

The Ocoee Knights softball team has raced out to a 5-3 start to the spring season and won a pair of games against Jones and Freedom last week. In the win over Freedom, a 12-6 victory for the Knights, freshman shortstop/catcher Jada Cruz went 4-for-4 and had a pair of doubles. The talented underclassman is hitting .391 so far this season to pair with a .500 on-base percentage, and she has stolen 7 bases already — all making for a promising start to her varsity career.

You went 4-for-4 at the plate against Freedom; you must have been feeling pretty confident at the plate, right?

I felt pretty good. At first, (the opposing pitcher’s ball) had a lot of movement, but I still tried and focused on the ball.

What has been the key to the team’s fast start this season?

We practice really hard, and we’re pretty serious about winning. We’ve played pretty tough teams.

What’s it like being a freshman on varsity?

It’s good. There’s some obstacles, but it’s fine. I like it. I don’t think it’s intimidating at all.

Coming into your first season at the varsity level, what were you focusing on as an individual?

Definitely my hitting, because I was struggling during travel ball. … Because I catch sometimes, I have to work on my stopping and blocking and backhands at shortstop.

Have you noticed any difference in atmosphere between competition at the varsity level and competition for travel ball?

It’s about the same, I would say, like the crowd and everything.

Do you enjoy the element of representing your school and community as a varsity player?

I definitely like it. Coming from a charter school, I like it.

How did you get started playing softball?

I started playing baseball and then my dad pretty much brought me into (softball). At first I didn’t like it, but he said, ‘Try it again,’ because he said I was pretty decent, so then he worked with me at it, and I started playing (well), and I liked it.

Do you have any individual goals for the rest of the season?

I’d like to have my batting average improve and not make as many errors.

What are your hopes for the team as the regular season progresses?

We can try to beat the best teams out there and have positive attitudes.

It was 48 degrees at the time of first pitch for one of your recent games — what has it been like playing through some colder weather?

It’s been hard. Whenever I hit the ball it starts to hurt my hands — yesterday I couldn’t feel my hands. It’s hard, but we have to get through it.

Has anyone — whether it be an upperclassman teammate or coach — been particularly helpful with your transition to varsity ball?

Both my coaches (head coach Amber Wilson and coach Amber Lugo) really push me into doing the best I can.

What’s your favorite sport to watch and support here at Ocoee?

Basketball — I like (boys) basketball the best. Football is OK, but basketball is really good here.

What’s your favorite subject?

English, that’s what I’m best at. I’m in Honors English. I prefer writing (to reading).

What are you looking forward to the most about summer?

This summer I’m playing (a tournament) in Colorado, so I can’t wait. Then we play like every weekend after that, so I’m getting ready.

What do you see yourself doing for a career?

I’m pushing my hardest to be a professional softball player, or at least play in college. Or I’d like to try be in the medical field, like a doctor. Or maybe even a lawyer.