A Humble Destiny Apodaca Speaks with her Speed

In the game of softball, speed kills. Stolen bases and bunting are significant parts of the game, distinguishing it from its hardball cousin. An all-dirt infield can be hosed and packed, creating a springboard off which slappers can smash the ball and use their speed to beat the defense.

At South Mountain Community College, sophomore Destiny Apodaca brings that element to the Cougars. A 5-2 infielder from Morenci, AZ, Apodaca is a humble and appreciative student-athlete who cherishes every at-bat and inning with teammates. Just don't confuse that graciousness for a killer mentality once she finds herself on the base paths.

Apodaca got started playing softball through her mother, who grew up playing the game. She dabbled in other sports like soccer and volleyball but always found herself gravitating to the diamond.

"I can remember asking my mom whether it was softball season yet," said Apodaca. "I pitched growing up, but by the time I hit high school, I didn't throw fast enough and focused on the infield and shortstop. I wanted to play college softball and knew it was best to make my way there by playing shortstop."

Having spent a fall and half a season under SMCC head coach Brittney Matta's tutelage, Apodaca credits the coach for opening her eyes to different aspects of the game.

"Before Coach Matta came to SMCC, I thought I knew the game inside and out. However, she has a way of showing a different perspective," Apodaca added. "She is always thinking of something new and better for us and is ahead of the game."

Matta is equally effusive of her sophomore shortstop.

"Destiny is a kid who would run through a wall for us. Coming in, I didn't know what to expect from the returners, but the commitment she has shown to the game, her teammates, and the staff is incredible," Matta said. "She is a player who will always put in extra work, and you cannot ask for more." 

Apodaca is humble when it comes to playing the sport she loves. She cherishes each at-bat and reflects on her journey before every appearance at the dish.

"Every day is a blessing and a chance to create new memories," she said. "It's not just about one game, but every game. Even before the coronavirus, I felt a swelling of gratefulness when we would hear the National Anthem before our games. I would stand there and take it all in thinking it could end at any moment, and I carry that mentality into every game and practice."

Since the pandemic struck, Apodaca has found different ways to stay in shape and ready to return to competition in the 2021 spring. She is doing whatever she can to stay around the game.

"I was living in Phoenix when it struck, and I would go to the cages and take ground balls. However, I have since returned to Prescott, and here I am using my garage where I have a net I hit into and a wall I throw balls off of to simulate infield work," she said. "It is frustrating. I want to be on the field with my teammates."

In her one-plus season as a Cougar, Apodaca has totaled seven doubles, 18 runs, 10 RBIs and a triple. In 2020, she had a season-high three hits and two RBIs in wins over Gateway CC on Feb. 15 and Paradise Valley CC on Feb. 25 and scored a season-high three runs in the win over Gateway CC on Feb. 15. 

One area that Apodaca thrives in is the stolen base. In the abridged 2020 season, she tied for the team lead and fourth in the conference with 14 steals. She had four games with two stolen bases.

"Usually, when I steal, it is not off a sign. I am trying to go off a change-up or a ball that is down in the strike zone. I am always alert, and there is a lot of adrenaline," she said. "I look for any extra time the pitcher or catcher may be taking, and the process is somewhat of a blur until I get to second base."

She enjoys the challenges of playing more formidable teams and stronger catchers.

"I like to feel the competition and love playing good teams," she said. "The catchers are usually pretty good in this conference, and it gives me confidence and helps to study the pitcher and catcher."

The 2021 schedule starts in late February with a home doubleheader against Pima Community College. The day can't come fast enough for Apodaca, who has hearty goals for her final season as a Cougar.

"I hope to have my best season at SMCC in 2021. I want to get out there with my team and make plays and have fun. I am always grateful to be playing this game and take that attitude into every contest." 

"Destiny will have a huge impact on our experience in conference and play a strong part in the core of our roster from the shortstop position," Matta added. " She stops at nothing to score and gets aggressive jumps while reading the ball well. We have been working on finding a comfortable hitting position for her, and I can't wait to see her improve at the plate."

One of Apodaca's greatest joys from her time at SMCC has been working with assistant coach Chelsea Gonzales. An infielder who played collegiately at ASU, Gonzales is a member of the Mexican National Team that will compete in Japan in the 2021 Summer Olympics.

"I am a visual learner and love being on the field with her. We will stay after practice, and I love watching her speed and flow at shortstop," Apodaca said. "It helps me a lot because you don't see that with a lot of players. She lets me use her glove, and just watching her makes me a better player."

Whenever her playing career ends, Apodaca doesn't expect to be away from the game for too long. She is interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy or a business degree that allows her to stay around sports. She also has interests in coaching and welcomes any opportunity to continue her career at a four-year institution. 

"I want to thank all my coaches at SMCC. They have given me a lot of confidence and helped shape me into a better player and person. They take their job beyond coaching, and I want to thank them," she said.