East County Athlete of the Week: Leighton Paul

Braden River High softball has crushed opponents en route to a 6-0 start to its season. As of March 6, the Pirates have outscored opponents 78-3, notching five shutouts. Junior center fielder/left fielder Leighton Paul has hit .786 with eight RBIs in 14 at-bats. Her batting average is tied with freshman third baseman/catcher Cooper Jones for highest on the team. Paul is the East County Athlete of the Week.

What has been behind your strong start at the plate?

Really, I just do anything I can to get on (base) — whether it's bunt, slap or power. I've had success using a variety of it. And with a lot of support from my teammates, it's been a great start.

Why has this team been so successful thus far?

We've been working hard in practice. We've been cohesive. Obviously, we have a lot of new freshmen, so that definitely helps — we have seven.

What makes this a special group of girls?

This is the first season I've been with my sister (freshman shortstop Evelyn Paul), and I've known her group that she's played with growing up. And then of course, the girls I knew from last year, I was already close with. So that makes it even more fun.

What are some of your goals for your junior season with Braden River?

Personally, I'd like some more stolen bases, and to just keep up hitting the way I am. As a team, I'm hoping we make it pretty far in regionals.

When and why did you start playing softball?

I started at 8. I started at Miss Manatee (Softball League), then I played a couple seasons of rec, joined a travel team and then that was that. I've played ever since.

Why have you stuck with the sport?

There are so many things I enjoy about it — the teammates, it's taught me work ethic, running and playing. There's so many things.

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

Something that my weightlifting coach (Jordan Borges) has said a lot is, "trust the process." In working with him, we won a state championship. It takes a while to build strength, so just keep working through the hard and the good times — trusting that it will work out. I've carried that onto the field.

If you could meet any athlete, who would you meet and why?

I was a big fan of the (Milan Cortina Winter Olympics), and I've been following the figure skating. I would definitely want to meet Alysa Liu. I love her mindset.

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

I love tacos, they're my favorite food. I also love to go on the boat with my family. That's a big thing I do whenever I have free time. And of course, weightlifting.

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

Switzerland. I've seen the scenery on Instagram and all those pictures. I just love the mountains.

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

I'm not really picky. I feel like I have a wide range of music.

Finish this sentence. Leighton Paul is...

Gritty. Just keeping working as hard as you can, and no matter what the outcome is, just trust the process and keep going.