Sports
Softball Player Isn't Letting the Rain Slow Her Down
Elizabeth Guardado is a Venice High senior who keeps plenty busy in her time off the field.
Poor weather has prevented the Venice softball team from playing a game since the middle of March, but players are keeping busy off of the field, including second baseman Elizabeth Guardado.
“I’m the co-president of the 2nd Chance Club where after school we raise money for various non profit organizations–last year we raised 500 dollars for some great organizations. I’m also in the French Club and the 2011 Club,” said Guardado.
Guardado is one of three seniors on the squad and has been playing softball for seven years. She says that working with a team for so long has helped her out off the field as well.
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“It’s helped me communicate with other people, both in school and softball. It's helped me become more united with other students,” Guardado said.
In addition to the clubs, Guardado spends a lot of her time working in her community.
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“I’m a teacher’s assistant at the church and it helps me to learn how to work with children," Guardado said. "I’ve been doing it since I was 11 and it’s a big part of my life. I just love teaching and helping the kids.”
Coach Jessica Ruiz lauds Guardado's hard work and dedication.
“Liz is the only girl on the team who has been here all four years," Ruiz said. "She started off with the JV and has worked really hard to get where she is. She doesn’t have a loud voice, but she leads by example, and she is everything you want in a student athlete.”
Ruiz also pointed out that Guardado accomplished quite an impressive feat over the summer.
“Liz is a natural right-handed player, but all summer she was working on batting left handed, and now she is doing that at the number two spot," Ruiz said. "It’s a great tool for us to have a great left-handed hitter.”
The senior already has big plans for next year when she goes off to college. She will attend UCSD, where she plans to be a psychology major.
“I’m really excited for college because it’s just another opportunity for me to meet more new people. UCSD is pretty far and I don’t know many people there but being in softball I know I will be able to open up and be open to new experiences at college," Guardado said.
