Getting to Know P.J. Martinez

P.J. Martinez is on the verge of completing her fourth season on Hollywood's varsity softball team. While that's an accomplishment in itself, what makes it even more impressive is that four years covers the totality of her softball experience.

On a lark, Martinez and her friends attended softball tryouts as freshmen — Martinez didn't even own a glove until days before the first practice. A few weeks later, she was the only freshman on the Sheiks' roster.

The next four years featured a number of high points for Martinez, including  a league title in 2010. This season, she's led a rebuilding Hollywood team in starts as the No. 1 pitcher.

"She's pretty much the heart of the team," first-year Sheiks coach Tony Acosta said of his co-captain. "Everyone looks up to her as the most experienced player. She's the go-to girl and she's the one we want up with the game on the line."

Hollywood Patch caught up with P.J. this week to chat about her high school softball experience: 

Patch: Why did you decide to play softball? 

PM: Me and my friends tried out for fun. The team already had enough players, so I didn't think anything would come of it. Before tryouts I bought a new glove, but I didn't even know what size to get. It ended up being too big, which made me even more nervous.

Patch: Sounds like it worked out, though.

PM: Yes, I was the only freshman on the team that year. I've come a long way.

Patch: What was it like being part of the team's first league title in school history last year?  

PM: It was really great. I felt like we accomplished a really big goal. I was very proud.

Patch: Have you enjoyed being the team captain the past two seasons?

PM: I'm very proud. I feel like they lean on me, and if they have any problems they can come to me. We've become more than a team, we're like a family.

Patch: How has softball changed you as a person?

PM: It's really helped me grow. I've built up a lot of confidence and character, as well as building a stronger attitude.

Patch: With your time at Hollywood winding down, do you see more softball in your future?

PM: Yes, definitely. I'm going to UC Davis in the fall and I'm planning to tryout for the team there.

Patch: Best of luck to you.

PM: Thank you very much.

If you know a student-athlete from Hollywood or Bernstein High who deserves recognition for their achievements, contact Dan Hanzus at dhanzus@gmail.com.