Barbara Goleman High softball player, Natalie Costero, marveled at Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton’s composure each time he steps up to the plate.
In fact, Costero watches video of the three-time All-Star to emulate his game and to make her a better player.
“I like that he’s focused on every pitch, and each time at bat he has a plan,” said the senior shortstop and pitcher. “I need to have a plan like that.”
Costero’s plan has worked, as she recently signed to play with Lynn University in Boca Raton, but her team’s modest goal of winning the district championship would close out her senior year in high school on a good note.
Wining the state title would even be better.
Costero, a Miami Herald All-Dade player, said she chose Lynn University because it’s closer to home.
“It’s close to home but not to close,” she said as she signed her Letter of Intent while flanked by her family, coaches and teammates at the Miami Lakes school.
Costero, who recorded a .537 batting average, four home runs and 80 strikeouts in her high school career, said the college offers her a better environment with a good coaching staff in a family-oriented atmosphere.
She declined other offers, including Barry University and FIU.
Costero is following in the footsteps of her two older sisters, who also played softball in high school and college.
One played at Warner University and the other attended Agnus Scott College.
“My sisters were really good and I grew up around them in a good environment,” Costero said. “I played softball after watching them and liked it so much.”
Costero and the Gators last won the district title when she was a freshmen.
She wants to win it again but she knows a tough road is ahead for her team.
The Gators are playing in a tough district this year with defending champion American Heritage standing in their way. Goleman was the district runner-up last year.
“They are tough and we know what awaits us,” she said. “To win, we all have to be on the same page. It’s not what one specific player needs, it’s what the team needs to win.”
Costero reminisced about the experience of winning the district title her freshmen year.
“It was breathtaking, I was speechless,” she said. “Once you take on your challenges and achieve your goals, it leaves you breathless.”