When the sun rose and fell on big game after big game for Anaheim Esperanza softball this season, there was senior Emily Gomez, donning her customary face shield in the circle and giving each Aztecs opponent her best fastball. Rather, Gomez would replay the lyrics to her favorite rock songs in her head; most frequently, “Angel’s Wings” by Social Distortion. “I triumphed in the face of adversity,” the song goes, and so did Gomez. Across 116 innings pitched for the Southern Section champions, Gomez amassed an 18-2 record, 105 strikeouts against just seven walks and a 1.63 ERA. Ever since, Gomez has wanted to be a nurse so she can help others.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 05, 2021 11:26 UTC