Without strengthening the mind, gaining more power for the body is difficult to achieve.
That principle came into play recently at Jet Sports Training, where local softball standouts, including Arizona infielder Camila Zepeda, gathered to not only work out but also discuss their careers as a form of therapy to learn from each other’s challenges and triumphs.
All of them routinely train at Jet Sports Training, and the facility’s director of sports performance, Jose Felix, took advantage of their gathering recently to discuss their careers in a group session.
Zepeda, a Tucson High graduate, talked about how she handled her transition from second base to shortstop at Arizona last season following her All-American career at Pima Community College. “It was a big adjustment for me,” she said. “I wanted to be there, so I put the work in.”
Sunnyside graduate Lauryn Carbajal, who batted .381 with nine home runs and 10 doubles with 35 RBIs in her freshman season at Western New Mexico, discussed the importance of eating foods rich in protein and fiber at various times during the day, including before and after practice and between games during the many doubleheaders that are scheduled in college softball. “(Eating) helps not only build strength but it also helps when you’re injured,” she said. “Eating the right things helps you feel better. It keeps you energized. … We’re all athletes. We should be eating before practice and after practice. Have some little type of fiber and protein all the time.” She said that while she was at Sunnyside or playing club softball she did not want to eat between games. She did that at WNMU this season and realized she had more energy and felt stronger.
Former Sabino standout Sariah Ferrentino of Pima talked about the importance of placing an emphasis on devoting enough time to studying to maintain eligibility. She said she often spent five hours in the library at Pima before practice to complete her studies during her recently-completed freshman season.
Pima catcher Amerika Lopez, formerly of Sunnyside, talked about the importance to “flip the switch real quick.” In case she struggles at the plate, she has to show her strength and conviction, calling the pitches for ace Arianna Flores, a Salpointe grad, and the rest of the staff.
Sunnyside Class of 2025 ace pitcher Tatyana Vega discussed the opportunity to play for Division I program UTEP after initially committing to Pima. “I really like UTEP because it reminds me of Tucson, the environment, and I know some of the girls coming in,” she said. Former Sahuarita and Pima College catcher Mallory Zylinksi-Wrobel is with the Miners.
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