Peak Performer of the week: Sierra’s Samantha Venegas Medina shows grit, leadership on the diamond
After a three-game absence from Sierra High School’s softball team’s lineup, Samantha Venegas Medina has scorched the competition.
Last week, the Stallions senior compiled 6 hits, 6 RBIs, 5 runs, 3 stolen bases and a pair of home runs to help Sierra improve to 9-3 this season.
Venegas Medina’s performance also earned her Peak Performer of the week.
“I don’t know if she needed a mental stint to focus on herself, but it worked,” said Stallions coach Dustin Matlock. “She has been a force to be reckoned with since returning to the lineup.”
Venegas Medina sustained her injury against Pine Creek on Aug. 22 in the second inning. The senior exited the game with a gash on her right leg just below the knee, which required 12 stitches.
Sierra High School senior softball catcher Samantha Venegas poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette)
“I hit a double and tried to take third when (Pine Creek’s) pitcher threw the ball to third base,” Venegas Medina said. “I tried to slide at third base and the third baseman fell with me. She fell first and her cleats were facing upward so when I slid to third base, the bottom of her cleat got into my skin. She tried to get up to get the ball and her foot went deeper into my leg and that ripped apart my skin.”
Although the gash hobbled Venegas Medina for a week, she refused to miss practice. Matlock helped Venegas with her swing and assisted the senior with in-game situations.
“She hit with me when she was hurt and we focused on what to swing at and game planning for her return,” Matlock said. “She’s improved so much since the injury happened.”
This season, Venegas Medina leads the Stallions in home runs (4), slugging percentage (1.391), is tied for first in RBIs (14) and is second in fielding percentage (.961).
The injury not only helped Venegas Medina improve her stats on the diamond, but the down time also allowed her to sharpen her leadership skills.
“I need to be the best for my team because they need somebody who can be there supporting them when they get down,” Venegas Medina said. “Me being back there (at catcher), I can help them to be better and confident with one another. Me catching and Marisa (Reyes) pitching is a good mix. Since I was little, I’ve always loved to be number one and I want that for my team as well.”
Matlock said he preaches “we before me” to the Stallions and Venegas Medina took the reins of that mentality to ensure her teammates function with solidarity.
Venegas Medina said she hopes Sierra softball becomes a force and adds banners to decorate the school’s gym.
While she’s grateful for her tremendous statistics on the field, Venegas Medina realizes accomplishing her goal requires leadership on her end and deep connections with teammates.
“We hang out a lot and we have that bond to where we know that no matter what, we’re going to be there for each other,” Venegas Medina said.
“We’re going to support each other and that helps us to be a good team and pushes us toward getting a banner for the school.”
Sierra High School senior softball catcher Samantha Venegas poses for a portrait on Tuesday
. Earlier this season, Venegas was injured while sliding into third base and received 12 stitches in her leg. She was back in the game two weeks later.
Sierra High School senior softball catcher Samantha Venegas poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. After her injury earlier this season, Venegas spent time playing short stop before returning to spot as the team’s catcher. (Parker Seibold, The Gazette)