Throwing a no-hitter is no easy task, but Lamar High School’s Leila Ayarzagoitia did just that in the Texans’ match-up with Westbury.
“Throwing the no-hitter feels good,” said Ayarzagoitia. “As a pitcher, some days may be bad days, but I’ve shown I always come back stronger.”
“Her mentality is where she’s grown the most. She’s been working on breaking some pitching habits in her mechanics and it has truly shown in her game as she’s becoming more consistent,” said head coach Meah Maddox. “Her balls are spinning more and if we can just stay on that path right now, then the sky’s the limit for Leila.”
Ayarzagoitia leans on her faith to keep grounded as she plays the game she loves so much.
“My favorite bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.’ I turn to God and ask him to guide me,” said Ayarzagoitia.
This love of faith and baseball has drawn Ayarzagoitia to study the game of the University of Oklahoma’s third baseman, Alyssa Brito, who too openly expresses her love for God.
“She opens a bigger perspective on younger girls such as me,” said Ayarzagoitia.
Outside of softball, Brito demonstrates kindness and compassion through her involvement in community service projects and constantly offers a helping hand to those in need. Her dedication to making a positive impact extends beyond the field, reflecting her genuine commitment to being a good person both on and off the diamond.
“She’s inspiring because she’s all about the Lord and I’m too. It’s a lot more than just a game,” said Ayarzagoitia.
Leila Ayarzagoitia
IG: @lleila_09
Position: Pitcher
Height & weight: 5-feet-7, 215 pounds
Player she studies: Alyssa Brito (University of Oklahoma)
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite artist: Drake
Favorite subject: English
Shout-outs: Mom, Dad, God, Laura Ramirez
Ayarzagoitia began playing softball with Oak Dads Club (ODC) when she was five years old. When she turned 12, she began playing competitively with Texas Chaos. After seeing her game elevate, she took her talents to Impact Gold where her confidence improved tremendously.
“I knew I had something special when I began playing on the higher levels of softball and I was able to compete with those on that level,” said Ayarzagoitia.
While a freshman at Lamar High School, Ayarzagoitia played on the varsity softball team as a DH during the playoffs.
“Being a designated hitter in softball created a memorable moment for me as it allowed me to focus strongly on my offensive skill, and helped me experience the thrill of batting in big moments,” said Ayarzagoitia. “Whether delivering a crucial hit to drive in runs or stepping up in clutch situations, this was a new experience for me because I’m so used to being on the other side of the field playing defense.”
Ayarzagoitia expresses that her favorite pitch to throw is her change-up but has dedicated herself to continuously working on her craft.
“The game of softball isn’t just about your physical skill but your mentality when you step on the field,” said Ayarzagoitia. “The pitcher has the ability to outsmart hitters, and adapting to the changes in game situations often determines success on the mound. When I step on the mound I lock in and zone everything else out. Softball pushes me to be a better person every day.
