HARLINGEN — Making a position move is not the easiest thing to do for an athlete.
For Harlingen South junior shortstop Krystal Gonzales, however, the move from catcher to shortstop came naturally.
Last season, Gonzales played catcher but moved back to her natural position and has become the anchor up the middle for the Lady Hawks infield this season.
Gonzales has helped the Lady Hawks to a 4-0 league start with Weslaco High up next at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The Valley Morning Star got a chance to catch up with Gonzales this weekend.
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Q: You play softball all year long. What is the best part of doing that?
A: It keeps me engaged and prepared for the upcoming season. As my dad always tells me, “Champions are made in the offseason.”
Q: You made the move from catcher to shortstop this year. How has that transition been for you?
A: It hasn’t been a difficult move since that was my primary position on my select team for the past several years.
Q: On game days do you have a specific routine?
A: Before each game I like to listen to NF, a Christian rap artist whose music keeps me focused.
Q: What is your biggest superstition?
A: Before I step into the batter’s box, I always look at Coach (Audulio) Garza on first base side because he gives me confidence and keeps me calm before each at bat. And when I have two strikes on my count, I never look at Coach (Elias) Martinez. I remain mentally focused on the next pitch.
Q: Who is your favorite NCAA softball team?
A: The Oklahoma Sooners.
Q: Growing up, who was your favorite softball or baseball player and why?
A: My favorite player has always been Elvis Andrus from the Texas Rangers because he plays shortstop for my favorite Major League baseball team.
Q: You wear No. 11. Is there any meaning behind that?
A: Receiving No. 11 my freshman year was memorable since my older brother, Anjel, also wore the same number when he lettered his freshman year as the starting shortstop for the South Hawks.
Q: If you could have one super power what would it be and why?
A: Talking to animals. I would like to have the ability to communicate with my dog, Blitz, and to be able to know what he is thinking. He is my best friend and I don’t know what I’d do without his company.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that the fans might not know?
A: Every year I write a new biblical scripture underneath the bill of my visor because I want to give all my glory to God because without him we are nothing.
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and why?
A: I would want to have dinner with both my grandpas who are both in heaven so I could talk to them about what has been going on in my life since they’ve been gone.
