RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
Though she is still a couple years away from playing in college, Florida junior Aminah Vega has already had a taste of what it’s like to star on a big stage against elite competition.
Aminah competed for the Puerto Rican National Team last year and will play once again for the country in 2021.
She committed to Central Florida this September, but the middle infielder for John Lamar’s Lady Dukes 18U team is still getting heavy recruiting attention.
“As a 2022 she is committed to Central Florida, but it has not stopped several from SEC, ACC, Big 12 and Pac- 12 schools from reaching out about her,” explains Coach Lamar. “Aminah is, by far, one of the best pure hitters in the 2022 class and my phone was ringing non-stop on September 1 about her availability.”
Congratulations #2 Aminah Vega on your commitment to UCF! We are super proud of you! GO Knights!! @KendraKirkhoff @UCF_Softball @CoachBallMalone pic.twitter.com/OhZK3sBM0g
— Lady Dukes Lamar (@LadyDukesLamar) September 2, 2020
Playing under the intense spotlight of international competition appears s to have elevated Aminah’s game to another level.
“This kid is special,” Lamar marvels. “In two weekends against some the best pitching in the country, Aminah got off to a hot start by hitting nine home runs in two weekends. I love her leadership on and off the field and she is the best second baseman I have ever had the pleasure of coaching.”
The young athlete has put in the work off the field to get to where she is today, says her coach.
“Aminah’s work ethic in the gym and fielding is unmatched,” Lamar continues. “She is the kind of player I would model my organization after with her desire to be great and willingness to get better. We love this kid and, for the next two years, the country is on notice while pitching to this lead-off hitter whose maturity on the field really shows.”
Here’s more on this fast-rising infielder…
Name: AMINAH VEGA
Hometown/ST: DeBary, Florida
Grad Year: 2022
Positions: Middle Infield
Club Team: Lady Dukes 18U – Lamar
High School (City/ST): University High (Orange City, Florida)
GPA: 3.9
College: verbally committed to Central Florida
Preferred College Major: Zoology
Top Honors/Accomplishments:
- Player on the Puerto Rican National Team
- Dual Enrolled in Daytona State College
- Dean’s List from Daytona State College
- President’s List from Daytona State College
What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
My most memorable softball experience is when I played for the Puerto Rican National Team, summer of 2019, in Irvine, California. I was recruited to be the starting second baseman and played players from teams from across the world. I was the youngest player (15 years old) in the starting lineup on the team in all games of second year college players and played against top college players in the nation. I alternated playing short stop and second base throughout the tournament in every game. I consistently batted 1-3 in the lineup.
What is it like playing for the Lady Duke organization?
It is very unique, every player on the team has a job and they all have the drive to play. All players and coaches have the same passion for the game and drive to win. We are unlike others because we all the love the game which is unmatchable. It is very intense but fun at the same time.
What have you learned about yourself over the quarantine due to COVID-19?
I have learned not to take the things you enjoy in life for granted and to work hard regardless of the circumstances. My sophomore softball year was taken away from me due to COVID-19 and that can never be replaced. Love every minute you are given.
Who inspires you (athletically & non-athletically):
My mom and dad inspire me the most. My dad is the driving force and inspiration to my softball career. He has made me the player I am today. In addition, my mom inspires me academically by always reminding me that academics comes first. Both of them make me the best athlete and student I am capable of being.
What was it like playing for the Puerto Rican National team?
When I played for the Puerto Rican National Team it was exciting and different. I had to get to know and bond with the team in just one week and then in games the second week. We had one week to practice before the start of the national tournament and we had no free time. It was practice, practice, practice and then play.
Every gameday, we had a full practice before the game. We would do front toss on the field and practice all of our infield plays. The games and practices were intense. Every game we played we were ready. The whole team stayed in the same hotel without our parents and I roomed with a college player from my team. Being around mature and fun players was a learning experience.
How has playing international competition helped you develop as a softball player?
Playing for the Puerto Rican Team really helped my confidence level go up, as well as eliminating my fear when playing in front of people. This tournament was televised, had a live audience, and many interviews before and after the game. All of this has helped me become relaxed on the field, at the plate, and in interview situations.
When you leave the game of softball, how do you want to be remembered and what will you do when you’re finished playing to help grow the game?
I want to be remembered as the player with the most accomplishments as well as the most awards who was a spectacular player on and off the field. I will hopefully become a coach that will inspire other athletes to perform at their best.
*** Scroll down to see more about Aminah including what she feels her strengths are and what goals she’s set for herself on and off the field…