Sophia Perez - A Bat Making National Noise

Pueblo Central Standout Ranks NO. 1 in Nation’s Batting Average

When you talk about high school softball, not just in Pueblo, but across the entire country, it’s impossible not to mention Central’s Sophia Perez.

Perez has established herself as one of the most accomplished players in Pueblo softball history, currently leading the entire country in hitting at an astonishing .796 batting clip. She has become an offensive threat that opposing pitchers hate to see step in the box.

But there is much more to Perez than one remarkable number.

She is a multiple-sport athlete, a black belt in karate, a two-time Central Softball team MVP, and a player with her sights set on playing Division 1 softball.

Here’s a closer look at the junior standout.

Sophia By The Numbers

School: Pueblo Central High School

Grade: Junior

Team: Pueblo Central Wildcats

Position: Shortstop

Hits: Left-handed

Career Accolades (Currently still in junior season)

• 2x First Team All-Conference

• All-State Honorable Mention

• 2x Pueblo Central Softball MVP

• 4x Pueblo Chieftain Athlete of the Week

• Pueblo Tony Bobian High School Softball MVP

And she’s still only a junior…

Perez’s current batting average is the number that immediately jumps off the page. For Perez, however, putting together that kind of average isn’t simply about getting hits. It creates an entirely different challenge every time she steps into the batter’s box. 

As a left-handed hitter, she has a variety of ways to attack a defense.

“My biggest key to my success this season is all of my skills. Being a left-handed hitter, I am able to bunt, slash, slap, hit, and hit for power.”

That versatility gives Perez multiple ways to reach base and puts pressure on opposing defenses.

“Having and utilizing all of these skills help me get to where I am today.”

As all great hitters have, there’s a plan behind every at-bat.

And the plan can change every at-bat, depending on how opposing pitchers are attacking Perez, defenses are shifted, or a personal adjustment in her own swing.

Before each time she steps into the box, she studies the defense and uses what she sees to determine how she wants to attack.

“Each at-bat, I have a different approach. Some things may be the same, but other things change.”

The ability to adjust is a big part of what makes Perez such a difficult hitter to defend. 

Pueblo Central Aims to Make a Deep Playoff Push

As the postseason nears, Pueblo Central sits at an overall record of 12-9 and 6-2 in the South Central League, which is good for 2nd place in the standings.

The Wildcats have faced a daunting schedule throughout the season and currently sit at No. 19 in Colorado’s Class 4a rankings.

For Perez, the regular season record isn’t the ultimate measure of success.

The goal is what happens when the postseason arrives. 

“A successful season for Pueblo Central High School would be where we end our season, hopefully making noise in the regional and playing the way we are capable of at state.” Perez said. “But we are continuing to take it one day at a time.”

Perez and the Wildcats have already made the state tournament during each of her first two high school seasons, and the program has continued to improve.

Now, the goal is to take another step.

“My freshman and sophomore year we ended at state and every year we got better. This year we are hoping to make it Saturday (final four).”

Perez believes the team is capable of playing its best softball when it matters most.

“We got off to a rough start this year but we will peak when the stakes are at its highest.”

What’s Next for the Softball Star?

Perez’s ambitions extend well beyond high school softball.

She has her sights set on Playing Division 1 softball at the collegiate level and is in the midst of the recruiting process. She has taken her first unofficial college visit and has more visits scheduled as she continues to explore her options.

When asked what she is looking for in a college program she said, “At the next level, I am looking for a good program with great people around me.”

Academics are also at the forefront of the decision.

“I am focusing on going to a good academic school too.”

It’s clear that Perez has big goals for both her athletic and academic future.

But pump the brakes on it for now, Sophia Perez is charged up to make what would be a historic run for Pueblo Central softball in the coming weeks. 

Get to Know The Nation’s Top Hitter

Other Sports & Hobbies

Track, Golf, Karate, Working Out

Favorite Food

Cheeseburger

Favorite Show

All-American

Pre-Game Music

Anything Drake

Favorite Quote

“Today, do what others won’t so tomorrow you can accomplish what others can’t.”