For Miranda Gonzales, a junior at Olustee–El Dorado High School, softball is more than just a sport, it’s a test of patience, dedication, and teamwork. As both a catcher and shortstop, Miranda brings versatility and leadership to the field, driven by the motivation she finds in her teammates. “What motivates me is my teammates,” she said. “We push each other, and that makes us better.”
Miranda has found her biggest influence not in a single person but in a team she admires from afar, the University of Oklahoma women’s basketball team. “They work together and they get the job done,” she explained. “They always put on a great performance.” That sense of unity is something Miranda carries with her every time she steps onto the field or court.
Her athletic journey hasn’t come easy, it has taken plenty of “hard work and dedication” to find success. One of her proudest moments came when she recognized her own progress as a hitter. “The highlight moment of my career is me hitting hard and getting on base, and being able to see myself improve,” she said.
Like any competitor, Miranda has her favorite rivals to go up against. For her, it’s Blair and Duke, two of the toughest opponents. “They are the hardest teams to beat, so it makes winning against them even better,” she shared.
Miranda credits much of her growth to her teacher, Mrs. Turbush, who has taught her valuable lessons in teamwork, patience, and work ethic since arriving at Olustee. She also finds joy in practice with her teammates. “All the girls on my team, we each teach each other mechanics,” Miranda said.
In addition to softball, Miranda stays active in basketball and Ag Electricity, which allows her to step outside her comfort zone and challenge herself in different ways. She balances academics and athletics through what she calls “time, effort, and dedication,” while always remembering that showing up matters both on and off the field.
Whether representing her school in the classroom, on the softball diamond, or on the basketball court, Miranda carries pride in wearing Olustee–El Dorado across her jersey. Her commitment and character make her a true role model for younger athletes coming up behind her.
