Double-rostered early on in her freshman year between junior varsity and varsity, De La Salle senior Alondra Soto didn’t have to wait long to become a permanent part of the varsity squad.
When a teammate went down with a season-ending knee injury, Soto was there, jumping into the lineup and the outfield for good.
Now, she’s a two-year team captain and leader for a Meteors squad with some big-time goals this spring.
Soto had a two-run single on April 23 as host De La Salle lost 6-3 to rival St. Ignatius in a GCAC White matchup.
“It means a lot to be a two-year captain,” Soto said. “I’ve worked my way up. Coach (Frankie Castagna) asked me to play in right field and ever since I’ve been working in right. As a team, we’re here to win, but have fun also.”
Sophomore Emily Alvarez added two singles, a RBI, run and stolen base. Junior Mya Alvarez (single, walk), senior Samara Agredano (two walks) and freshmen Luna Salinas (single, run) and Chavelle Salazar (single, walk, run) also chipped in for De La Salle.
The Meteors went 25-11 last season, a single-season mark for wins for the program, and won a Class 3A regional title.
The team graduated eight seniors, including five starters, putting the spotlight on Soto and her fellow captains, Agredano and Mya Alvarez, to step up even more.
For Soto, it was finding her voice and when to use it over the last two seasons.
“You don’t want to be a bad cop all the time or a good cop, either,” Soto said.
“You don’t want to walk all over people. I love motivating people. You want them to know that they’re seen and their voice is heard. I like to hear what you think is going on about the team or how I can do better.”
Soto, a Triton recruit, grew up playing shortstop and first base. But she has been a natural in the outfield in high school.
“It’s been great to see her growth and her leadership grow,” Castagna said. “She’s quiet when she needs to be, but a silent leader. Everyone loves her. The girls all go to her. She has been a great asset to our program.”
De La Salle’s win on April 20 at Evergreen Park was Castagna’s 100th since taking over at her alma mater in 2021.
St. Ignatius went up 4-0 in the second. Soto ripped her two-run single to right field, bringing Salazar and Emily Alvarez around to score.
Soto said she’s loved the strong chemistry this year’s team has.
“It’s not one group here and another there,” Soto said. “We’re always together. That’s something I really love about our team. We’re happy to be here and have so much energy with our games, especially our conference games. You want to stay up all the time.”
Mya Alvarez is excited to see what the Meteors can do in the GCAC White and into the postseason.
“We have a great team with hitters up top and all around the lineup,” Alvarez said. “Our subs can play, too. Everyone knows what they can do. I think we’re going to kill it (down the stretch).”