The CT Softball Blog

Torrington High School junior Sophia Pergola had an opening day to remember on Saturday.

In her team’s 17-0 win over Derby, Pergola was 4-for-4 from her lead-off spot with two doubles and a solo home run. And, in the circle, Pergola fired her first shutout of the season, giving up just one hit and striking out 14.

During the summer months, Pergola plays for the CT Rapids 16U Blue team. She has been part of the Rapids organization since she was nine years old.

Following her game on Saturday, Pergola took the time to go “Extra Innings” with the CT Softball Blog.

FIRST INNING: How did you become a softball player?

SOPHIA PERGOLA: I have an older brother, John, he is 2 years older than me and he played baseball. I would go out in the yard with him and my dad and have a catch and hit. I spent a lot of time as a kid watching baseball games. I played a lot of sports when I was younger, but I really enjoyed playing softball the most. 

SECOND INNING: Obviously you had a big opening day, both at the plate and in the circle. How did it feel to have such an impactful start to the season and what made it possible for you?

SP: I am so proud of my whole team for our performance today. Last year we struggled all season as not many freshmen came in and we had lost nine senior players the previous season. For me personally, I put in a ton of work during the offseason with Rapids. I continued working with my pitching coach Kim Bogen, on maintaining speed, improving accuracy and perfecting my pitches. I also began working with a hitting coach, Chris Martin, improving my hitting and consistency for the upcoming season. 

THIRD INNING: How did you wind up becoming a pitcher and what do you like best about that position?

SP: When I first started playing softball, I had an interest in both pitching and catching. I started learning both positions very early. During my second year of 10u Rapids, all of the pitchers had gone to other teams. My good friend, Julia Campbell (Watertown High School, 2026) and I, traded off pitcher and catcher duties for the entire season. By pitching many games that season, I developed my true love for pitching. I love the leadership opportunities that being a pitcher gives you. I also love the challenge of continuously improving myself pitch after pitch. 

FOURTH INNING: The game is on the line: Would you rather have a walk-off hit to win the game, or strike out a batter for the final out to clinch a win for your team?

SP: That is a tough question. I can see it from both sides. A part of me knows I could make the big hit. But at the same time, striking the last batter out is an amazing feeling. 

FIFTH INNING: You’re on third base with nobody out in the bottom of the seventh inning in a tied game? Which of your Torrington High teammates do you want to see at the plate to bring you home?

SP: Lilah Bouli! This is our third year playing together, and I have confidence that she would bring me home. 

SIXTH INNING: You have played pretty much your entire travel career with the CT Rapids. What has that program meant to you in becoming the player you are today?

SP: Without being on the Watertown Rapids, I would not be where I am today. They have made every opportunity possible for me to succeed. The Rapids have always felt like a family to me. I have been with Coaches Jose and Kayla Dos Santos since I joined the Rapids when I was 9. They have always been my biggest supporters on and off the field. For the last 3 years, Coach John O’Toole has been my head coach. He has also pushed me to become a better player. 

SEVENTH INNING: What is your go-to pre-game hype music that you like to listen to?

SP: I don’t have one specifically. I put my headphones on with a playlist but then go through the upcoming game mentally. 

EIGHTH INNING: As a softball player, do you have superstitions or rituals that you do regularly?

SP: Before every inning, before stepping onto the field, I always take a deep breath and say to myself “pitch by pitch.” 

NINTH INNING: If you could go home tonight and have the perfect home-cooked meal, what is it and who is cooking it?

SP: I would love to have chicken parmesan cooked by my mother.

TENTH INNING: Where is Sophia Pergola in 10 years?

SP: In 10 years, I hope to be teaching in an elementary school. 

ELEVENTH INNING: What one words best describes you?

SP: Personable.

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