A 15-year veteran of the diamond, Bella Cabral of Choctaw High School currently plays middle infield and third base for the Lady Yellowjackets. Now in her senior season, Cabral said she is excited to once again be with her teammates and is looking forward to what comes after high school.
“What I love most about my team is that we are goofy and have a lot of grit on the field,” said Cabral. “I plan on attending the University of Virginia on a softball scholarship and getting a degree in forensic science, in hopes to get a chance to work with the FBI.”
Cabral said being part of the Choctaw family is special.
“What makes being part of the Choctaw family so special is how we hold ourselves to the highest standard on and off the field. By holding ourselves to a higher standard, it has shaped me not only as a player but a leader and a person,” said Cabral.
A former basketball player, Cabral decided to make softball her focus and it has paid off. Next year she will be at the University of Virginia, which means any free time she gets now, she tries to spend it with friends and family.
“During my free time I love to hang out with my friends and my family because they have all been there for me and make me laugh in a daily basis,” Cabral said. “I can honestly say that my whole family has been a big influence on me. From my mom and dad being hard on me, holding me accountable, and spending so much money on softball, and my brother and sister helping me grow so much as a softball player and always teaching me to have respect when I’m talking to someone. My family has had the biggest influence on my career and will always have a big influence. I don’t know what I would do without them.”
Like many of her peers, Cabral has her favorites in the classroom as well.
“My favorite subject in school is my forensic science class and my favorite teacher is Mrs. Kincheloe because she was really there for me after my ACL surgery and made sure I stayed on track with my schoolwork and helped me with anything else I needed,” said Cabral.
Cabral said her most memorable moment as a student-athlete when her slow-pitch team made it to state.
“Even though we didn’t end up on top we fought really hard and showed a lot of passion for the game,” said Cabral.
The senior offers this advice for the younger student-athletes at Choctaw.
“I would say to play every game at 110 percent and to not let the stuff that happens on the field affect you off the field. For the future girls coming into our program, I would say to trust the process and trust that your coaches have you best interest at heart.”
