East County Athlete of the Week: Bella Toscano

It's been an up-and-down season for Lakewood Ranch High softball, sitting at 8-8 as of April 3, but Bella Toscano has been a positive. The sophomore pitcher/first baseman carries a .491 batting average and 2.44 ERA — both team-best marks. Her 21 RBIs on 26 hits are also the most of any Mustang, and she has 31 strikeouts against 17 walks in 43 innings pitched. Toscano is the East County Athlete of the Week.

Do you have a preference for pitching or hitting?

I hit a lot, and I just practice that more, honestly. That's probably my better skill that I have. I put a lot of my time into hitting.

What have you been focusing on in practice recently?

i've been focusing on, with my hitting, just trying to take the ball more to right-center (field) instead of trying to pull it all the time.

What were your goals entering this season?

I was just trying to get on top of the start, get my average up, and try to keep it there.

When and why did you start playing softball?

I started playing softball when I was 7, because I wanted to follow in my dad's (Jeff Toscano, the Lakewood Ranch High softball coach's) footsteps. He played baseball and he played in the minors. When I first started, I enjoyed it, so I just wanted to keep going.

Why have you stuck with this sport after all these years?

I have big dreams of playing at a big school. That motivates me to keep trying. Seeing all these good players on TV makes me want to be like them one day.

Do you have any idols in professional or college softball?

I like (Texas Tech senior pitcher/first baseman) NiJaree Canady — I want to be like her. She has a big bat, and she's a good pitcher.

What quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

My dad's always getting on me, trying to get me to be the best player I can be. So that's kind of what motivates me.

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

My mom's (Jennifer Toscano's) a nurse practitioner, so I'm into all the doctor stuff and taking care of people. I like to learn about that outside of (softball). I like to hang out with my friends a lot, and I like the beach.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

Italy. My family is from there — older generations — so it would be cool to go. And I've seen a lot of it on social media and it looks nice.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?

Pasta.

What music helps you get in the zone during practice or before a game?

I listen to Drake a lot, and my team, we always listen to "Love on Top" by Beyoncé before every single game.

Finish this sentence. Bella Toscano is...

Dedicated.