By Mark Foley
Beatriz Caporal is in her second season as a utility player with the softball Zias. She started her career at Odessa College, transferring to Eastern New Mexico University after two seasons.
Caporal is a valuable member of the Zias because of her versatility. The team returns to Portales Monday for a doubleheader against the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
Originally from Paramount, Calif., Caporal is studying Childhood Education at ENMU.
Chase: What are your plans after college?
Caporal: I plan to go back to California where the weather isn’t so bipolar and be close to my family. I plan to teach a second- or third-grade class, and use my bilingual skills to help ESL children and make a difference in their lives.
Chase: How long have you been playing softball?
Caporal: I started by playing baseball with my brother’s team at the age of six, then I joined softball at eight.
Chase: If you were not playing softball, would you play other sports or have any different hobbies?
Caporal: Softball kept me out of trouble growing up. As crazy as it sounds, I’d been asked to join multiple gangs by the age of 13. Softball was my way out, and they accepted it. I love playing sports in general. Soccer would be my second favorite sport, but I never found true passion in it. Softball is what got me out of Paramount to get my education and be the first one in my family to attend a university.
Chase: What’s your favorite memory at ENMU?
Caporal: I have a lot, but my favorite memory would be during one of our road trips. Our whole team and coaches did one of our softball cheers, “We love free bases,” individually in front of the bus. It was fun yet really funny.
Chase: What do you love most about playing softball?
Caporal: I love slapping, the fact that I can hit it through the infield, slow the ball down and run it out, or drop a bunt. The opposing team has to guess and be perfect to get me out. I love stealing bases and making great plays on defense. Most of all, I love when we’re successful as a team. The attitudes and energy of my teammates make the game 1,000 times more fun.