Athletic Infielder Attempting To Steer Lady Sharks Toward Winning Season

For infielder Eliza Artiles, athleticism has always been a key component of her game.

That athleticism has helped Artiles, a freshman, lead the Lady Sharks in stolen bases (four) this season. She is  also second on the team in runs batted in (four) and boasts a .333 on base percentage for the Lady Sharks, who are currently 7-21.

“She’s learning the game a lot better, that’s our main focus, because she’s athletic. Once she’s able to learn the game and become more knowledgeable it’s only going to make her so much better,” said Lady Sharks head coach Gina De Agüero.

Artiles was originally introduced to baseball by her parents, but they switched her to softball when she was six years old.

“I was a little confused on the difference but I eventually picked it up,” Artiles said

At St. Brendan High School in Miami, she played on a team not known for having a strong program. When she arrived at Miami Dade College, Artiles realized she couldn’t solely rely on her athletic ability to play the game.

“I was always athletically gifted so none of my previous coaches took their time and broke down my processes on the field and on my offense,” Artiles said. “Coming here coach [De Agüero] has broken down everything for me, so now it’s just combining my athleticism and technique. I’m really just building on that.”

Artiles, a business major at MDC, hopes to eventually start her own international softball program, bringing the game to other countries who aren’t as familiar with the sport.

“Being here on this team you meet a lot of international girls. For me it’s an amazing experience just to meet [them], being able to play with them is even better,” Artiles said. “I know how I’ve grown as a person meeting all these different kinds of people and learning their cultures and I think that’s something we can all benefit from.”

The Miami native’s compassion for aiding others has not gone unnoticed by her teammates.

“She’s an amazing person, a hard worker always pushing herself to be better” said Artiles’ teammate and close friend Lishanty Guillermo. “She’s a good friend. She’s always trying to help whether it’s in your classes, personal life or anything. Wherever she can help, she helps.”

The Lady Sharks’ next game is on the road versus Broward College on March 23 at 3 p.m.