By Staff Writer Jennifer Fortman
Production by Emily Hillier

Junior Rachel Aiardo is a captain on the varsity girls softball team at Naperville North. Aiardo has recently committed to Missouri Science and Technology to play softball.

Q: What’s the best thing about your sport?

A: The best part is definitely playing and getting all your anger out when you hit the ball. That’s probably the biggest relief. And getting that rush when you make a great play just gives you such positive energy.

Q: What’s the worst thing about your sport?

A: The worst part is when you play a team that your friends are on because you want to kick their butts, but you can’t because you love them so much. I love them, and I can’t beat them. But I’m going to [anyways].

Q: What’s the biggest contribution you make to your team?

A: I’d definitely say positive energy. I’m always that person who is going to be loud, obnoxious, and bring people up when they’re down. I make people laugh, but I’m there to also pick people up and make a play if I need to.

Q: How far do you want to go with softball?

A: I plan to play in college. I’m committed to Missouri Science and Technology, and I’m super excited. After that, I hope to coach.

Q: What coaches/mentors have helped you throughout your softball career?

A: My biggest mentor is probably coach Bialek, who has been my coach for seven years. He is kind of like a second dad to me, and he has always been there for me. Also, my travel team coach right now, coach Cihlar. He got me my college. He understood what I wanted, and we worked together very well.

Q: How have you evolved as an athlete over the years?

A: I used to be that scrawny little girl who was so afraid of the ball, but now I’ve grown mentally and gotten more knowledgeable about the game.