April 27, 2015
Brandon Applehans
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Dani Fonseca is one of the most dangerous hitters in the RMAC.
She is tied for second place in the conference with 12 homeruns this season, separated from first place by one. She takes great pride in the ranking.
“It’s definitely cool to have that type of title in a big hitting conference,” said Fonseca. “It’s really cool hearing it from coach, because he has been here for fifteen years, with him saying that I am one of the best hitters he’s ever had.”
But Fonseca doesn’t always swing for the fences.
“I’m not trying to hit a homerun every time,” she said. “I’m just trying to hit hard every time. If the homerun happens, then that is fantastic. Just hit it hard, make the defense make a mistake and get the runners over.”
According to the junior and San Francisco native, her perception has changed while at UCCS.
“You get in here as a freshman and you’re like ‘Oh my gosh I’m playing softball, that’s like the life,’” she said. “You think softball is everything in your life, but then it really makes you think about time management.”
“The thing about softball is I have so much more fun now because I realize it’s ending soon. I don’t take it for granted, I love every day at practice, and I try to have as much fun as possible.”
Fonseca dreamt of playing college softball in Colorado after trips with her club team.
“We used to do these huge tournaments here in Colorado, for like a week long with our club team, and I just loved this place,” she said. “Once coach started recruiting me, I said absolutely.”
Fonseca explained she has little free time.
“If I’m not in school and if I’m not doing softball, I’m usually sleeping,” she said. “Definitely sleep, but I just like to hang out with [teammate] Korey [Kulpins] at home. We normally don’t do too much, but we just take our time and relax.”
Fonseca’s family visits to support her.
“My mom comes to games all the time,” said Fonseca. “She comes at least once a month to our home games. I see my mom all the time; my dad comes out every now and then, and even my grandparents.”
The Mountain Lions are eighth in the conference going into their final series against last place Black Hills State April 24-25.
Only the top eight teams make the RMAC Tournament.