Nation’s home run leader, Corine Poncho, ready to continue career at next level
IOTA, La. (BVM) — Prep athletes in the Class of 2022 are continuing to compete for a state title. But once this high school season is over, some will continue at the collegiate level. One of those players is Notre Dame High School senior is Corine Poncho.
For her whole life, Poncho has competed athletically. And no matter the sport, she will always have fun and give her full effort. That has driven her to compete on the softball field, where she has been excelling for years.
“The moment [I knew I loved softball] came when I [realized I] knew that I loved to compete with other top softball athletes at my school,” Poncho said. “I have played basketball since I was five years old. I never thought I could have chosen between them, but I did. God knew my drive and determination to go on and play softball at the collegiate level. I felt he had me through the whole process. At that point, I wanted to dedicate all my time to being the best softball player I could be.”
That time and dedication has certainly paid off for Poncho. Especially in her senior season. The 5-foot-9 standout has hit a national-best 29 home runs, has 64 RBIs and has a batting average of .485. Not only has it been an outstanding senior season, but an excellent career for Poncho overall.
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In 74 games, Poncho has a batting average of .548, has hit 54 home runs, and driven in 155 runs. She also has an OPS of 1.985 and is also a dominant force on the mound. This season, she has an overall record of 12-1 with 53 strikeouts in 53.2 innings of work.
Along with a successful individual career at Notre Dame, Poncho has also been a part of back-to-back Louisiana state title teams. In those seasons, she earned All-Louisiana first team honors and was named the 2021 most outstanding player of the 2021 state championship and hitter of the year.
But high school softball isn’t the only time she has taken the field. Poncho has spent her time Mojo Fisher where she helped her team win the Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) title. Now, Poncho currently plays for the Birmingham Thunderbolts and Coach Rocky Thompson.
“All my travel ball coaches have been a part of my journey of developing me into the player I am today,” Poncho said. “I feel like accepting adversity that comes my way and how to handle it is what I’ve learned from my fall season. He’s [Thompson] always coaching us up to be our very best.
However, becoming the top prospect she is today wasn’t easy. And there were people there to help her along the way, including her family.
“As an athlete, my family helped me develop into a mentally strong person by challenging me in all aspects in life,” Poncho said. “To take every opportunity to be my best, to know when I’m not, always look to learn from it and to move on. As a person, they’ve always taught me to be grateful and always have the courage to do the right things in life no matter what. Also, to thank God for all I’ve been blessed with.”
Along with her family playing a pivotal role in her development as an athlete, Poncho also looks up to another DI athlete for inspiration: Bailey Hemphill who played softball at the University of Alabama.
“I feel like she is the best athlete to look up to because she is humble and a hard worker, which I strive to be,” Poncho said.
That time and dedication has certainly paid off for Poncho. So much so that she has been receiving interest from prestigious DI programs from a young age.
“I came into the recruiting process at 14,” Poncho said. “I guess you can say I was a bit behind in the process. Then COVID-19 hit. Everything was shut down. It was tons of work compiling coverage and emailing coaches more than ever. ”
Luckily for Poncho, back in 2021, one of Houston’s assistant coaches, Lacey Waldrop, approached Poncho.
“Coach Lacey from Houston approached me and she asked where I was in the recruiting process,” Poncho said. “ I honestly told her I’m taking it slow. After thinking about it and speaking with my family, I felt I needed to go on a visit; the stress of needing to commit took over. I told Coach Dale to get back in touch with Coach Lacey from Houston. An official visit was set up; after the visit, I spoke with Coach Vess and the offer came.”
As one could imagine, the recruiting process ramped up. Poncho quickly called Houston home, signing in November 2021. But as time went on, Poncho realized that she may have rushed her decision. She is hoping to find a new home to continue her athletic career soon.
“In the last few months, I realized that Houston is not the right fit for me,” she said. “I honestly think growing up and decisions are very important and should not be rushed. I used to worry, ‘What if no one wants me? What if I don’t find my forever home?’ Which was very stressful. Which leads to me no longer being committed to Houston. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity they gave me.”
Her time at Notre Dame has meant a lot. Her teammates have accomplished so much. And when she looks back on her time with the Pioneers, Poncho will never forget her teammates and the community supporting her.
“My team is my No. 1 priority on the field,” Poncho said. “I only worry about doing my best for them. They know I have their back on and off the field. As I feel they have mine, especially when I’m pitching. I believe we have the best defense in the state. The community is amazing. I could not ask for anything better; they are so supportive of us. From pre-game meals to seeing them cheer us on in the stands.”
Nonetheless, her time as a prep athlete is coming to an end. And however she ends her career, Poncho has a lot to be happy about. She’s bound great things. And when the right fit presents itself, Poncho will most likely take it and continue her softball journey.
“I know God has a plan for me and the right fit will come along,” Poncho said.
