Sport Spotlight – Danika Spinogatti

Danika Spinogatti is a catcher on her father Dean Spinogatti’s Winter Garden-based travel softball team. She is an incoming freshman at Montverde Academy and recently competed with her team at the 14&U Softball National Championships in Johnson City, Tennessee, where the team finished fifth out of 75 teams. Spinogatti is ranked 37th in the Class of 2025 rankings, making her top 10 for catchers. 

When did you start playing softball? 

I’ve been playing ever since I was young. I’ve always been playing. 

What do you like most about softball? 

I like the competitiveness, because I’m a very competitive person. I like when you’re in a tough game against a tough team, and you’re on the edge and have the adrenaline rush. It’s exciting, because the dugout’s loud and cheering, (and) everyone’s hitting. It’s just exciting. 

What’s great about being the catcher? 

I’m in every play, and I get to steal strikes. 

What was it like competing at nationals? 

It was hard and exciting at the same time. The path that we had was not easy — we faced a lot of hard teams. Then again, our team came out hard, and we battled to the end until we couldn’t anymore. It was fun, exciting and sometimes frustrating at the same time, but it was fun to play with everyone. 

Favorite movie? 

“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” but I have no preference. 

Favorite TV/Netflix show? 

“Lucifer” 

Chocolate or vanilla? 

Vanilla, I’ve never really liked chocolate. Vanilla is sweeter. If you get too much chocolate, it tastes kind of gross. Vanilla is sweet, creamy and good overall. 

Does that tell a bit about your personality? 

It’s just something I like, so I wouldn’t say so. 

What is an interesting thing about you nobody would expect to know? 

I am one of the only catchers in Florida that hits lefty and throws righty for my age.