Katie Belomontes, Softball
Tell us about how you first got involved with your sport. When did you first get interested and began participating? What is it about the sport that you enjoy so much?
My journey of playing softball is a bit hectic! To be quite honest, at the time I probably had never heard of softball but it was at a volleyball game where it all began. It was at the end of my 8th grade year where at the time I was at Costa Mesa High School playing volleyball against Ensign. I was having a killer game and once that ended what would be my future travel coach (Fred Bagatourian) asked me if I’ve ever wanted to play. Immediately without a hesitation i said yes. I began playing the summer of my incoming freshman year and never looked back.
What got you here to Orange Coast College? Tell us about your journey to OCC.
My journey to OCC was just as hectic as my start. After my high school graduation, I went to California State University of Northridge on a full ride to continue playing softball. Unfortunately due to COVID and other surrounding issues, I only attended CSUN for two years and moved back home. My third year, I attended both CSUN and OCC. I decided to try and ignite that love for softball that I once had but unfortunately, I was unable to find it and officially took a step back from being an athlete but did graduate from CSUN that year. Flash forward two years later, I actually ran into once assistant Coach Vanessa who was part of the 2020 coaching staff for Coach Jodie and my old high school basketball Coach Sammy who is actually killing it as the OCC women’s head basketball Coach. It was destiny seeing them both on the same day I knew I had to try just one more time and so I did!
If I asked your coach or teammates about what type of person you are on your team, what do you think they would say?
This team is constantly joking about how I am. I’m the oldest on the team, standing at 22. These girls keep me young and humble. On this field for them I am loud, obnoxious and I will forever be their biggest hype woman. I would love to be able to walk away and for these girls to have felt supported by me throughout this season.
Besides actually PLAYING the games, what are some of the best things about playing for OCC softball? What's the environment like? How's Coach Jodie and the staff? How would you define the "culture" of the Pirate softball program?
The best thing about playing for OCC has to be me watching over all 18 girls. No, in all seriousness, it’s a blessing to be around the environment. It’s full of laughter and joy. It’s an incredibly vibrant place to be. The coaching staff and these girls ... that’s familia (family ) right there . Everyone genuinely wants to see you thrive in life. It’s a blessing. OCC has given me the opportunity to try again at my sport after having a couple rough years ... a second chance at chasing happiness.
When you're not involved with your sport, what do you enjoy doing for fun? Any hobbies or interests and that keep you busy in your spare time?
When I’m not involved in my sport, I enjoy hanging out with kids (dogs). I enjoy traveling, the simplicity of hanging out with friends, and trying new things. Now that I’m a little older, any time I can get away from work -- whether that’s at class, practice, or playing fetch with my "kids" -- is a blessing.
If I could give you the opportunity to be great at a different sport ... other than softball ... which sport would you pick and why?
This is easy ... basketball. I actually played high school basketball along side our very own Sammy Doucette. She’s now the head coach here at OCC. Basketball for me was a complete escape from softball when I needed to step away amongst other things. The love I have for basketball is something I’ve never been able to explain. Just pure happiness out there.
Favorite sports team? Any sport you want ... who's your favorite team and why?
I don’t watch professional sports. I’ve always enjoyed college sports, and especially women’s basketball. Right now I’m currently stuck on UCONN, TCU, Arizona and Baylor.
Once your sports career is over, what do you want to do with your life, career-wise?
The cool thing about this question is that my sports career ended couple years ago so I’ve had some time to think about what I wanted to do with my life. After processing and now 22 years of age, I can say that career wise, I would love to jump into law enforcement. I would love to be an advocate for our city and continue to be around the people that I love.
What's on your "Bucket List"??? Somewhere amazing to visit?? A Sports event to experience?? Whatcha got??
One thing on my bucket list before the end of the year end is to drive down the coast, Oregon sounds a little bit basic, but the scenery is amazing.
