By ALYSSA MEDINA 

The Tower 

Softball standout Emily Lopez, a former junior varsity captain at Manteca High School, will return to the diamond this spring as a member of the varsity team.  

The crack of the bat, the sound of her teammates and the pressure of the game are all familiar to Lopez, but her biggest role on the field has become a leader. 

Lopez’s softball journey at MHS has taken her from JV to varsity, giving her opportunities to compete, grow, and discover what it means to lead a team. 

Her time as a JV captain gave her a chance to step into a bigger role and become someone her teammates could count on when they needed encouragement. The Buffaloes won 12 of their 15 games, according to MaxPreps.com, and finished Valley Oak League play at 8-1-1. Lopez was listed as a pitcher and utility player for the team. 

She said leadership starts with having the confidence to speak up instead of staying quiet when her team needs a boost. 

“Don’t be afraid to talk and lift your team up. Also don’t be afraid to push them to their best ability,” Lopez said. 

She believes a strong teammate should not only celebrate others when things are going well but also challenge them to keep working when things get difficult. 

That mindset caught the attention of her coach, who sees Lopez as a player who naturally takes responsibility when an opportunity comes her way. 

“Some of her traits, she has a natural leadership ability,” said, who also described Lopez as someone who “takes charge individually” and has “a determination to win.” 

Her determination to improve and willingness to lift up those around her are helping her leave an impression that goes beyond the scoreboard. 

The Tower caught up with Lopez to hear about her achievements and what she hopes to accomplish in an upcoming season as part of the varsity team. 

The Tower: What was your most memorable high school achievement? 

Emily Lopez: My most memorable high school achievement has been my freshman year, when hitting 100 strikeouts. Academically, it was getting honor roll for three years straight. 

TT: What was your experience being captain for the JV softball team at MHS? 

EL: It was very time-consuming, and I had to talk to a lot of people, but overall, my experience was great! 

TT: How would you say you earned the role of becoming captain? 

EL: I would say I earned the role by always putting in the work and lifting my teammates up. 

TT: What advice would you give to upcoming team captains?  

EL: Don't be afraid to talk and lift your team up, also don’t be afraid to push them to their best ability. 

TT: How was your experience switching from JV to Varsity softball? 

EL: My experience was tough. I got pushed a lot harder on Varsity than JV and the teams were a lot stronger, but it was good and I pushed through. 

TT: What advice would you give to upcoming players? 

EL: I would say don’t be afraid to talk and make sure to remember to put in the work, it will be worth it.