Bypassing the traditional college application route, Diamond Bar High School senior Caitlin Esteves has announced her early commitment to the University of Pittsburgh as a part of their softball team.
Esteves has been playing softball since she was 6 years old, starting out in the local recreation league, later transitioning to travel club softball at age 12. She decided to commit to Pitt for their strong balance between academics and athletics, giving her sturdy support for both her priorities.
“Their athletic program is D1 with amazing facilities and a great coaching staff, while [Pitt’s] medical program is extremely good,” Esteves said. “Being able to compete for a championship is always the goal during the season and I want to help my team get there in any way that I can.”
Esteves earned a Top Eight ranking in Premier Girls Fastpitch nationals in the premier division this past summer, First Team All-Hacienda League her sophomore year and Hacienda League Honorable Mention during her freshman year. Her junior year, she won Second Team All-Hacienda League and First Team All-Hacienda League.
“Some of my greatest achievements in softball include committing to Pitt, making varsity my freshman year, starting on varsity these past three years [and] winning multiple tournaments,” Esteves said.
Reaching these achievements didn’t happen overnight. A typical practice for Esteves includes three to five hours of training. The team usually works on individual skills, including hitting, fielding, weightlifting and conditioning.
“…After warming up, we go into fielding work that includes basic glove work and training, then we transition into team defense,” Esteves said. “After team defense, we usually warm up hitting by doing front toss or tee work. The last two hours of practice usually include a scrimmage or live hitting.”
Esteves is proud of the work she has put in all throughout her childhood and teenage years, and she hopes to continue building her softball legacy in college.
“It feels amazing to be committed to Pitt, and I’m extremely blessed to have this opportunity,” Esteves said. “Knowing that all the work I’ve done, and all [the] money my parents have spent has finally paid off [and it] means the world to me.”
