Player Profile: Natalie Barcinas, Cranberry

D9Sports.com and EYT Media are doing a series of player profiles on returning high-school athletes this summer. The year in school listed by the athlete is the year the athlete is entering this fall.

NATALIE BARCINAS – SENIOR – CRANBERRY

Daughter of: Glenn & Sherry Barcinas (Dad is the head softball coach at Cranberry)

Sports Played: Volleyball and Softball

2016-17 Highlights: Natalie was the main pitcher for the Berries softball team that finished second in D9 Class 2A. She was a second-team All-KSAC pitcher after going 9-3 with a 2.79 ERA. She had 54 strikeouts on the season. At the plate, she hit .391 with 11 doubles, a triple, a home run, 21 runs scored and 12 RBIs.

Post-High School Goals: Natalie plans on going to college, but the military is also an option. She would love to participate in sports at college.

Q&A With Natalie Barcinas

D9Sports: What is your favorite sport to participate in?
NB: My favorite sport to participate in is softball.

D9: What is your favorite memory, moment, game from playing high school sports?
NB: My favorite memories from playing high school sports are the bus rides with my teammates and the feeling after winning.

D9: Why do you play high school sports?
NB: I play high school sports because it makes me happy, and it allows me to spend more time with my friends. I like to get better and better at the sport every day.

D9: Is there a high school player on your team or another team that you enjoy watching play? If so, why?
NB: Mackenzie McIntire from Lakeview is someone I love watching play softball because she gives 100 percent in everything she does. She’s a great catcher and 3rd baseman. She really can hit the ball well, and she is a smart player.

D9: When not playing sports I would rather (pick one) – Go to work, play video games, shop, hang out with friends, play pickup sports, go the movies
NB: Hang out with friends.

D9: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
NB: I would go to Guam because my dad was born there and I would love to meet the other half of my family.

D9: Who has had the most influence on you as a person?
NB: Sarah Barcinas, my sister, is the one who has had the biggest influence on me as a person. She always pushes me to do my best and excel in sports. She gives me advice and tips for sports and everyday life. I can’t imagine life without her!

D9: What do you like most about growing up in your hometown?
NB: What I like most about growing up in my hometown is the great community support.

D9: What do you wish you could change about growing up in your hometown?
NB: What I wish I could change about growing up in my hometown is the amount of activities to do. I wish there were more places to go around here.

D9: What question do you wish I would have asked you? And what is the answer to it?
NB: Who is your favorite professional athlete to watch? Jennie Finch because she is a great pitcher and is a great role model.

D9: Do you or have you had any siblings or other immediate relatives who have played high school sports?
NB: Sarah Barcinas, my sister, has played softball and was a competitive cheerleader.