As the end of the prep softball season approaches in south Florida, perhaps no team has been more dominant throughout the state than
American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.). And a lot of that has to do with standout third baseman
Bailey Castro.
Castro helped the Patriots generate national attention as they reached as high as No. 4 in the
MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Softball Rankings before finishing the season at No. 8. Despite the loss, coach Marty Cooper was extremely pleased with his team's performance, as well as the production from his top player.
"We didn't end like we wanted to, but we were very successful this season," he said. "Everyone pitched in and played a part in what we were able to accomplish this year. Bailey had a great year for us, but she's been doing that the last few seasons."
Castro, a University of Florida commit, helped the Patriots dominate their opposition after batting .618 with 22 RBIs and a career-high 16 home runs.
"We didn't accomplish our goal, but we played really well this year. We are all proud of each other," she added.
The standout slugger also managed 34 hits in 55 at bats despite, according to her coach, being "walked intentionally."
"We knew they weren't going to pitch to her," he said. "But that didn't bother Bailey. She increased her abilities this season. Even though she was walked a lot, she still made plays for us."
Cooper has coached the Patriot softball team for the past eight years and has seen Castro evolve from a freshman with talent to one of the state's most feared hitters.
"Bailey has matured as a player and has really developed into a leader throughout the last four years," he said. "She was a good player her freshman year but was quiet. She became someone that the younger players can come to now. They look up to her and it has a lot to do with how hard she works."
A two-time Sun Sentinel 3A Player of the Year, Castro helped the Patriots capture back-to-back state titles (2008, 2009) during her freshman and sophomore seasons. As a junior, she continued her campaign as one of Florida's top hitters after batting .612 with 44 RBIs, 30 runs and 12 homers.
Despite her accomplishments, Castro understands the importance of hard work and feels there still are some parts of her game that she can strengthen.
"Fielding, keeping in shape and hitting are some areas that I'd like to improve on," she said. "I'm excited about being a Gator and I want to do whatever I can to help them win next season. There is no offseason for me, I'm working on getting better every chance I get."
Castro has been around the game much of her life and credits her family for much of her success and drive.
"My mom has always been there, cheering and supporting me, along with my brothers," she added. "They have played a big role in who I am today."
With a highly decorated high school resume as a part of her past, Castro has a chance to add to her storied legacy this fall as a member of the Florida Gators. Cooper said he expects Castro to have an impact on the program.
"When they need her, she will fill in and do fine," he said. "She will definitely help them become a better team. Not only are they getting a great player but they are getting a good person, who is committed and trustworthy in all she does."
