The562’s high school softball coverage is sponsored by Playmakers. Visit LetsBePlaymakers.org for more information on their adaptive sports programs.
Their campus is under construction, and so is Compton softball after the graduation of almost the entire starting lineup.
The only returning starters are the battery of pitcher Kora Paredes and catcher Damaris Calixtro. Coach DeShawn Kelly hopes the development of those leaders can be a relatable example for the new players. This is just the third year playing softball for Calixtro.
“She is an excellent student who is very easy to work with,” said Kelly of Calixtro. “She’s a great leader, very outgoing and she really enjoys the sport.”
Calixtro will also play in the outfield and at shortstop while learning to play catcher.
“It’s about getting my legs in there because it’s tough,” said Calixtro.
Kelly has made sure to nurture the team chemistry in addition to teaching fundamentals and the rules of the game to mostly first-year players.
“I think we’re having fun,” said Calixtro. “During practices we’re doing group activities to get together and get to know each other more. We play catch and say a fact about each other. It’s about Working together. We all need to play a part and give something and get it in return.”
Compton is trying to snap a 41-game Moore League losing streak, but Kelly wants to be realistic and honest with her young players.
“We want them to exhibit great sportsmanship and character while being part of a team,” said Kelly.
Compton starts the league schedule on March 5 at Long Beach Poly, and has a key game on March 14 against Cabrillo at the MLB Academy in Compton.
