The Interviewed- Brycelyn Pinales

Brycelyn Pinales is a student athlete at San Marcos High School, she has been a member of the varsity softball team since her freshman year. This year is Brycelyn’s last year playing for San Marcos High School, since she is a senior. She has given her all to the team, she puts all her time and effort into everything that she does. 

Brycelyn’s older cousin Olivia was her inspiration to play softball. 

“My older cousin Olivia, she played all her life and I’ve always looked up to her. I went to all of her high school games and I remember always wanting to be just like her.” 

Her biggest motivation is her family, they keep her going and encourage her in all she does.

“My family gives me my motivation, I know they love watching me play and I want to make them proud this year. “

Brycelyn has been playing for almost her whole life, she dedicated many years to this sport. 

“I think I’ve been playing softball for about 8 or 9 years.” 

She has played many positions in softball, she’s gotten a feel of multiple positions in the infeld. 

“I’ve played multiple infield positions, catcher, second base, shortstop, and now third base. My favorite out of all of them would have to be third, there’s a lot of action on the corners. “

After all the years of playing, Brycelyn has learned so many things. She’s learned not just about skill but mental mindsets. 

“I’ve learned how to be mentally tough, this sport comes with a lot of ups and downs and because of it I’ve learned to have a short memory and let things go quickly. “

You build a lot of memories from a team sport, your teammates help you build good and even some tough memories. 

“My all-time softball memory is definitely making the playoffs my sophomore year. I remember that like it was yesterday, it was so much fun to be a part of. “ 

Every athlete has feelings before a game and more than likely there is nerves and just thousands of emotions. Brycelyn deals with her nerves with music and breathing exercises. 

“If I ever get nervous or anxious before a game I try to put music on, sit by myself for a little bit and take a few deep breaths. I just need a few minutes to get myself together and after that I’m good to go.”

As a younger athlete hoping to achieve many great things, it’s good to hear advice from an athlete that has experienced so much. Here is a little advice for younger athletes from Brycelyn Pinales.  

“Believe in yourself and learn to have a short memory. Not every single game or every practice will be perfect and that’s okay. No one is perfect so learn to let the mistakes go and keep believing in your talent and instincts. “

A song that Brycelyn listens to before a game, to give her motivation is…

“Dreams and nightmares by Meek Mill.”