The UCLA softball team has heard all the talk. They know they’re young and that they face the task of replacing six starters, three of whom earned All-America honors.
But standout sophomore shortstop Stephany LaRosa is not one of them.
Coming off of a freshman year that merited her First Team All-America honors and earned her a spot on the Watch List for the 2013 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award, LaRosa, could potentially have her name mentioned in the same breath as former Bruin greats.
“We’re always looking to win a team championship, but with that there has been some powerful individual accolades. … It’s great to see that tradition continue,” coach Kelly Inouye-Perez said.
LaRosa however, doesn’t put stock into what could be or may happen.
She isn’t one to get caught up in hype for her play, electing instead to put her team’s goals above individual glory.
“I take it day by day, one day at a time. … It’s not about the accolades. It’s about how you come out here and work together as a team. Ultimately, it’s about that ‘W’ at the end of the day, and that’s what we’re all here pushing for,” LaRosa said.
While some may express concern or doubt in regard to the team’s abundance of youth and inexperience, LaRosa knocks that worry away like a hanging curveball.
“We’re young. Fifteen of the 21 are underclassmen. But we have the same goal. … We all want the same thing out here and that is what is ultimately going to get us to the end. We’re all on the same page. … We keep the talking, keep the communication going and everyone is focused,” LaRosa said.
Instead of focusing on what outsiders may say, LaRosa and the rest of the Bruins choose to focus on what team members have to say. This constant communication has created a trust and confidence within a team that has been together a mere four months.
“I know it is my role to take in those freshmen and (sophomores) that this game is going a bit fast for and just remind them this is the same game we have always played. I think (the team chemistry) is great. … I feel this team is a blast to be around and they are just genuine people. You can trust them with anything on and off the field,” junior pitcher Jessica Hall said.
Despite the team’s relative youth, the team is led by a core of key returners, including Hall and LaRosa, who the coaching staff will turn to in order to lead for UCLA.
“We expect them to teach the younger Bruins. I expect them (to set the tone). I expect them to come out and teach them how UCLA shows up,” Perez said.
Email Lee at jlee2@media.ucla.edu.