Lindsay High School sophomore Presleigh Gomez carries lessons from family, teammates and softball into every part of her busy school life. A second baseman for the softball team, Gomez also participates in varsity cheer, basketball and track while staying involved with the Loft at Calvary Baptist Church.
Her parents are among her strongest influences. “My parents. They have a lot of life experiences and they guide me to do the right things so I don’t have to experience some of the things they have.”
That perspective shows in the way Gomez approaches athletics. “One mistake doesn’t define you as a person,” she said of the lesson sports has taught her for life.
At second base, Gomez said the most challenging part is maintaining focus. “The most difficult thing about it is probably keeping my head down and not sweating the little things.”
Before every at-bat, Gomez follows a routine that combines strategy and remembrance. “I tell myself ‘hit the yellow ball’ and examine the field to find a gap. Before I step into the box I write TG in the dirt. TG is for my cousin Tate who passed away in 2022 from medical complications from his Noonan Syndrome. I have #TATETHEGREAT embroidered in my glove in his memory.”
Gomez said the connections formed within the program are among the most meaningful parts of playing softball. “The friendships I’ve built with the girls that have turned into a sisterhood.”
She also values the team’s character. “We play with integrity and the love we have for each other.”
Gomez pointed to teammate Addi Dodson as an encouraging voice and Nacobi Miller as a source of humor. “Addi Dodson is the most vocal. She is always encouraging everyone on a good play or bad. Nacobi Miller keeps everyone laughing.”
Her favorite school subject is English, and she remembers third-grade teacher Mrs. Horner as a favorite. Away from practices and games, Gomez enjoys “catching up on sleep or spending time with my family and friends.”
For Gomez, the softball field is a place to compete, honor her cousin and strengthen bonds with teammates.
