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Santa Cruz’ Top Pitcher Even Practices in the Dark
Something often have an epiphany in which they realize their passion. For Nevaeh Martinez, a 17-year-old junior at Soquel High, this moment occurred at a Stanford softball game when she was young and watched in awe at the speed and power of the pitchers. At that moment she knew she would do whatever it took — work as hard as she must – to manifest herself onto the pitching mound. “I thought it was really cool watching the softball pitchers pitch and how fast their arms moved,” said Martinez. “Just how different it was than baseball.” Years later, that same girl watching wide-eyed from the bleachers, has received the Player…
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Athlete of the Month
Local swimmer Oliver Santana of Soquel High School is only a sophomore, but has already proved himself to be one of Santa Cruz county’s most promising young athletes at age 16. Oliver’s parents encouraged him to take swimming lessons as a child to grow familiar with the nearby ocean. This is where his love for swimming collided with an innate desire to compete and improve. “I always just loved the water,” said Santana. “I like doing a little more every time.” And improve he has; as Santana has improved his times nearly every time he competes. Not only is he racing against other swimmers from the area, but additionally against…
