As she walks up to the batter’s box, the song “Wildfire” by SBTRKT plays in the background.

Gabby Fordiani looks at her teammates on second and third base raising her bat and preparing for the pitch. She connects the ball to the bat and hits a home run.

In her first year playing for EC’s softball team, 21-year-old catcher Fordiani, has helped the Warriors have a successful mid-season with five home runs so far.

“(Fordiani) as a player is so good,” coach Jessica Rapoza said.” She’s very easy to coach because she takes responsibility for any mistakes. She really makes corrections (and) is really mature.”

Fordiani who grew up in Torrance developed her love for the game early when she started playing t-ball as a child.

“The competition that’s my favorite,” Fordiani said. “Going out there and competing (and) just knowing that they want it as bad as you do. It’s just so fun going at it that’s the best part.”

She says that playing softball has taught her many things like discipline and how to handle pressure situations. She credits softball for helping her grow as a person.

“You have life long friends every team you go to,” Fordiani said. ” I feel like not being in the sport I would have gone a different direction in life.”

Fordiani has a leader presence on the field. She cheers on her teammates and keeps everyone positive when they are in tough game situations.

“It’s really fun playing with her because she helps pick everyone up,” teammate Jacqueline Gonzalez said. “She makes it easier around the field for everyone and its fun playing with someone who is that good of a player.”

Teammate and friend Reina Trejo has known Fordiani since they were nine and have played together for years. She describes Fordiani as fun and a great time.

“Well she’s our catcher and she is our voice,” Trejo said. “She carries everyone and keeps us on our toes.”

Fordiani says she is inspired by her father who played baseball and football. She’s says she has read all the stories about him and learned the game from him.

“He has taught me everything I needed to know in softball,” Fordiani said. “He’s my number one fan.”

A fan of Drake and Aaliyah, Fordiani likes to listen to them before and after her games. She also has four tattoos including her jersey number 13.

“I’ve been (number) 13 my entire life in softball,” Fordiani said. “It’s really just a lucky family number.”

Fordiani who is a psychology major has big plans after she leaves EC. In the future she says she would like to continue to play softball.

“Career path wise I want to be a firefighter so I’m going that route,” Fordiani said. “But right now its softball first get as far as I can then on with my career.”