Sophomore Catcher Embraces Starring Role After Playing Part-Time Last Year
Beatriz Narazaki was determined to be the Lady Sharks starting catcher after sharing the position with a teammate last year.
She dedicated the summer to improving her game. In grueling three-hour practices, Narazaki focused on throwing accurately, being more vocal and visualizing plays.
The hard work paid off.
In 21 games this season, the 19-year-old sophomore has carved out a starring role for the Miami Dade College softball team as the starting catcher.
Narazaki leads the team with a .400 batting average and 23 RBI. The numbers are a drastic improvement from last year when she had 20 RBI in 35 games and boasted a .286 average.
“[Beatriz is] really fast (processing the game) and she’s smart,” said Allison Morales, the team’s backup catcher. “In any situation she knows what to do and helps us feel sure of what we need to do.”
Narazaki set the pace for the season when she hit her first collegiate home run and collected six RBI in a 17-15 win versus Georgia Highlands College on Jan. 28.
Her offensive output and handling of the pitching staff has contributed to the Lady Sharks 12-12 start that includes a five-game winning streak in mid-February.
“She is always giving 100%, even on her bad days,” said sophomore second baseman Naomi Suzuki. “She’s very talkative in the field and lifts everyone’s energy up.”
Narazaki, who graduated from Colegio Esquema Unico (K-12), was first introduced to the game 12 years ago when she began playing for the Nikkei Marilia Club in her hometown of Marilia, Brazil. The club plays against other cities in Brazil and international teams based in Peru and Colombia among others.
She still plays with the club, participating in tournaments during seasonal breaks. This past summer, Narazaki played in the XXXIII Campeonato Brasileiro Softbol Feminino softball tournament in the women’s 19 and under division. Her team won first-place and she received the Most Valued Player award.
During Christmas break, she went back to Marilia to play in Copa Brazil, a two-day national tournament. Her team, which entered the women’s 19 and older division, won third place.
Lady Sharks head coach Gina De Agüero offered Narazaki a scholarship two years ago after seeing her highlight footage and speaking with her via email for a year. She moved to Miami in August when she was 17.
“It took me a while to adjust once I moved here,” Narazaki said. “In Brazil we played for fun, but over here it’s a whole different level that’s just way more exciting.”
The Lady Sharks prepare for games during practices at the softball field and workout sessions at the Kendall Campus gym, Monday through Saturday.
Narazaki works on her catching technique that includes footwork and the proper angles to take to receive pitches. She also takes batting practice but despite her gaudy offensive stats, it’s her work with the pitching staff and leadership that is standing out.
“She has a strong arm, she blocks really well, and she just knows how to take control of the game,” said Lady Sharks head coach Gina De Agüero. “Whatever you ask of her, she’s going to do…She’s an extension of me as a coach out there on the field.”
In addition to Narazaki, a trio of freshmen are bolstering the Lady Sharks offensive attack.
Outfielders Taylor Clayton and Atavya Fowler are tied for the team lead in home runs (2) and stolen bases (6). Infielder Alexis Ortega leads in home runs (3) and also has 14 RBI and .298 batting average.
Sophomore pitcher Vicky Navarro leads the team in wins (5) and a 2.47 earned run average. Mckenna Thompson leads the staff with 36 strikeouts.
Narazaki is confident their teamwork will propel them to a successful postseason and beyond.
“The goal is always to be able to get to the next level,” Narazaki said. “Not only do I want to be a better player for myself, but for the team too.”
The Lady Sharks next game is March 11 at 2 p.m. versus Lynn University in Boca Raton.
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