KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
SAN BENITO — For senior catcher Joanna Gonzalez, softball just comes natural.
It’s where she thrives. And it’s also between the lines that she carries a swagger and leadership that are second to none.
Gonzalez is a home grown product of San Benito and attended her first Lady Hounds softball game when she was just a kid. Gonzalez looked on at what could be and eventually would be.
Gonzalez’s older sister Jennifer Gonzalez played outfield for the Lady Hounds; that too motivated Gonzalez to one day wear the purple and gold.
“When I was just a kid my parents brought me to the games, and I remember then I said to myself, ‘I want to be a Hound’ seeing the games and seeing my sister play just inspired me more to play for San Benito.”
In 2015 San Benito made their second trip to the state UIL tournament. Three years later, Gonzalez is one of the three seniors that were on that 2015 roster. Audrey Huerta and Deztiny Hernandez are the other two.
Gonzalez is a four-year letterman who has played a number of positions. Outfield her freshman year under former San Benito coach Elias Martinez then third base her sophomore year for former coach Kristy Leal. Last year, as a junior, Gonzalez made the move to catcher; replacing Kim Harper who called the balls and strikes for four years.
Now in her final season Gonzalez is playing catcher for a second year and playing for a third coach in new skipper Denise Lira.
Through the different transitions Gonzalez remains calm and collected and continues to thrive.
Coach Lira had high praise for her senior back stop.
“The first time I met Jo earlier this year I was familiar with her and what she was doing with travel ball, but never did I envision her being the person to lead this team and put so much on her shoulders and bring energy to this team,” Lira said. “Even if she were to sit and do nothing she still brings energy and confidence to our team. She is a lot of fun to have, she knows how to handle the pressure and as a coach you can’t teach those things.
“Those things come from the way she was raised and her travel ball coaches and just her being her. Her motivation this year has driven her to be one of the best and she is one of the best I’ve ever coached.”
In July Gonzalez lost her father, Juan Ramon Gonzalez and over the next few months she found herself at a cross roads and the thought of playing softball wasn’t in her mind. Gonzalez even thought of hanging up her cleats, because she played the game for her dad who was her biggest supporter and fan.
“When I lost him, it was unexpected, it was a roller coaster,” Gonzalez said. “I didn’t know what to do, I thought for a while if I should quit, because I played for my dad, but I knew he wouldn’t want that. I always wanted to play college ball for myself, but now I want to do it for my dad.
“It was rock bottom for me losing him. Meagan (Ybarra), Aaliyah (Rangel) and Deztiny really helped me get through some tough times, they kept me stable.”
Gonzalez has put together one of her best seasons yet, and has been a driving force behind the plate and has the Lady Hounds back in the sweet 16 for the first time since her freshman season.
Prior to games, during the national anthem Gonzalez takes a moment to look up at the flag and the sky, knowing her dad is right there with her.
“Having my mom in the stands means everything,” said Gonzalez. “In some part my dad is there with her, when I see her I see him right there with her. I see him right beside her.”
Gonzalez and the Lady Hounds take the field tonight in the class 6A regional semi-finals against New Braunfels Canyon in a one-game playoff at Sinton High School. First pitch is at 7:30 p.m.