TEMPE - Following a dominant 2018 season that culminated in a trip to The Women's College World Series, Arizona State's G Juarez wasted no time in getting back to the circle. The lefty joined the Puerto Rican National Team, hoping to guide the squad to an appearance in the 2020 Olympic Games.
Below are a few responses on how the summer is going for Juarez and her team;
After an incredible 2018 season that ended in OKC, how ready were you to get back to the circle and get back to playing softball?
"Being in the World Series was not a shock to me. I had worked so many years with that as a goal. Practicing in 105 degree weather pretending to be in the circle winning it all! Unfortunantley, it didn't work out that way last season. I let my body heal from a long season, and started to prepare to play this summer for Puerto Rico's Women's National team. I won a gold medal with team USA last year, so this year I want Gold for Puerto Rico!"
What were some of the things that may have prompted you to switch from playing with the USJNT team, and joining Puerto Rico this summer?
"Last year was my last year for the USA Jr. Women's Olympic team because I aged out. Since softball is back in the Olympics for Japan 2020 the Women's team for USA was selecting older players from years past. I am Puerto Rican from my mothers side and my grandfather asked me to tryout and play for Puerto Rico. I decided to give it a go based on my grandfathers wishes, and I believe I can help bring a little joy for the country of Puerto Rico just by competing for Gold this summer in Columbia and Japan."
Tell us a little about the schedule you have already played, and what is coming up for you guys over the next few weeks.
"I have played in the California Cup and just won a gold medal in Barranquilla Colombia, playing in the Central American and Caribbean Games which felt like the Olympics! I am currently in Japan, about to compete for a spot in the 2020 Olympics!"
What are some of the things that have stood out to you about this summer so far?
"I started versus USA against Monica Abbott. To me it was a sneak peek at a 2020 matchup that will be GOLDEN! My teammates are amazing. We all get along and have fun. We play with a common purpose. We fight and have fun together. We win and lose TOGETHER! Being around different cultures, languages, food, and environments have opened my eyes to a whole new perspective. I now know I will be working to play abroad once I get done with college!"
How excited are you to get back to Farrington and play in front of the best fans in college softball during the 2019 season?
"Writing this I feel emotional. I wish everyone could get the feeling that I have when the crowd at Farrington cheers us. For me personally I get chill bumps when they stand up for last out. Or when they cheer after a strikeout. I pitch for a higher purpose. I believe I pitch for others. I fight for my teammates, my coaches, and that little girl looking at me hoping she could do what I do. The feeling I get when I pitch in a loss and the faces that I see after the game smile and tell me I did great! It is my home! I fight for my family and my home and my home is Farrington. And everyone in the crowd is my family!!!!"
What is different for you as a player following a trip to OKC?
"As a player I am still self reflecting as to what I could have done better to serve my team. I can only do my job and be the best teammate I can be. I know what pitches I am working on now. This is a piece of my life that will only set me on a course to chase those things that seem to be hidden in the clouds. I owe this opportunity to my family. I expect to get to OKC. I expect to win a championship at Arizona State. Until next pitch...."
Below are a few responses on how the summer is going for Juarez and her team;
After an incredible 2018 season that ended in OKC, how ready were you to get back to the circle and get back to playing softball?
"Being in the World Series was not a shock to me. I had worked so many years with that as a goal. Practicing in 105 degree weather pretending to be in the circle winning it all! Unfortunantley, it didn't work out that way last season. I let my body heal from a long season, and started to prepare to play this summer for Puerto Rico's Women's National team. I won a gold medal with team USA last year, so this year I want Gold for Puerto Rico!"
What were some of the things that may have prompted you to switch from playing with the USJNT team, and joining Puerto Rico this summer?
"Last year was my last year for the USA Jr. Women's Olympic team because I aged out. Since softball is back in the Olympics for Japan 2020 the Women's team for USA was selecting older players from years past. I am Puerto Rican from my mothers side and my grandfather asked me to tryout and play for Puerto Rico. I decided to give it a go based on my grandfathers wishes, and I believe I can help bring a little joy for the country of Puerto Rico just by competing for Gold this summer in Columbia and Japan."
Tell us a little about the schedule you have already played, and what is coming up for you guys over the next few weeks.
"I have played in the California Cup and just won a gold medal in Barranquilla Colombia, playing in the Central American and Caribbean Games which felt like the Olympics! I am currently in Japan, about to compete for a spot in the 2020 Olympics!"
What are some of the things that have stood out to you about this summer so far?
"I started versus USA against Monica Abbott. To me it was a sneak peek at a 2020 matchup that will be GOLDEN! My teammates are amazing. We all get along and have fun. We play with a common purpose. We fight and have fun together. We win and lose TOGETHER! Being around different cultures, languages, food, and environments have opened my eyes to a whole new perspective. I now know I will be working to play abroad once I get done with college!"
How excited are you to get back to Farrington and play in front of the best fans in college softball during the 2019 season?
"Writing this I feel emotional. I wish everyone could get the feeling that I have when the crowd at Farrington cheers us. For me personally I get chill bumps when they stand up for last out. Or when they cheer after a strikeout. I pitch for a higher purpose. I believe I pitch for others. I fight for my teammates, my coaches, and that little girl looking at me hoping she could do what I do. The feeling I get when I pitch in a loss and the faces that I see after the game smile and tell me I did great! It is my home! I fight for my family and my home and my home is Farrington. And everyone in the crowd is my family!!!!"
What is different for you as a player following a trip to OKC?
"As a player I am still self reflecting as to what I could have done better to serve my team. I can only do my job and be the best teammate I can be. I know what pitches I am working on now. This is a piece of my life that will only set me on a course to chase those things that seem to be hidden in the clouds. I owe this opportunity to my family. I expect to get to OKC. I expect to win a championship at Arizona State. Until next pitch...."