Isa Torres ‘can’t wait’ to play softball for Florida State
GEORGETOWN, Texas (BVM) — Softball has always been a family affair for Isa Torres, and now she is creating her own path as a Florida State softball commit.
An infielder from Georgetown, Texas… help us in welcoming Isa Torres to the Florida State softball family! #OneTribe
🔗: https://t.co/tPEu6nnEux pic.twitter.com/9fK5C5IORX
— Florida State Softball 🥎 (@FSU_Softball) November 9, 2022
Growing up, Torres always looked up to softball stars, but her older sister, Mariana Torres, made the biggest impact and helped spur her love for softball.
“I started playing softball after my sister started playing it,” Isa said. “Being the little sister, I wanted to be just like her and do the things she did.”
Pursuing a D-I softball career became the main motivation for the two sisters, and while they missed out on most of their social life, the two formed an unbreakable bond.
“We gave up a bit of our social years when we were younger and sacrificed a lot of family events and things little kids normally enjoy,” Isa said. “Knowing we had a future for softball, it started making me want to pursue college softball and make an impact on little girls just like my sister made an impact on me, and playing together has created a special bond. It was amazing to learn from her, and it was an amazing experience we had.”
Setting her sights on a goal like D-I softball allowed her to find a competitive mindset, and it opened the door to playing for the Hotshots-Nelson travel ball program, where she teamed up with Ava Brown and Maddie McKee.
IDT CHAMPS!! So proud of my team ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9h2dJlN8IA
— Isabella Torres (@isabellat_03) July 5, 2022
“It was my first year of 16U, and I joined the Hotshot’s program,” Isa said. “I used to play against the Hotshots and my head coach Nathan Nelson all the time. He and my dad are friends, and he was always joking with us, saying, ‘Hey, you look good in red.’ I started with the Bombers, and I made the switch, and it couldn’t have been a better move for me.”
Along with travel ball competition, Isa has succeeded with the Georgetown Eagles. During the 2021-22 season, Isa recorded a .413 batting average, hit six home runs and had 37 RBIs, according to MaxPreps. She also helped the Eagles capture a district championship this season, but she knows it takes more than one person to have success.
🦅💙🤍District 23-5A Champs🤍💙🦅 pic.twitter.com/CZZpqZSTNO
— GHS Lady Eagles Softball Booster Club (@EFND_Softball) April 22, 2023
“They [teammates] push me to be the best I can be,” Isa said. “I’m forever grateful for that, and I feel like that not only being a better player for yourself but for your team is huge. It’s not just about you, and if you want to accomplish one goal, you have to be a team. You have to seek success through everyone.”
That success drew the attention of D-I programs, and Isa received plenty of offers, including one from Texas A&M, where she planned to play with Mariana. However, during the final months of her junior campaign, her sister announced she was entering the transfer portal, and Isa reopened her recruitment.
— Isabella Torres (@isabellat_03) May 13, 2022
“Recruitment is overwhelming and puts a lot of pressure on you to perform on the field and stay on top of everything,” Isa said. “But at the end of the day, coaches want to see how you did or didn’t make an adjustment, how you are off the field as a person, and I feel like that is more important.”
One coach Isa impressed was Florida State’s Lonni Alameda, and once her recruitment was reopened, it was only a matter of time before she decided to continue her softball career in the ACC.
“My dream school was Florida State, and I was in contact with them the whole summer,” Isa said. “I went on the visit in August, and I loved the culture, the traditions, the people and how much they care about the program. I couldn’t be happier with my decision, and it’s a great program full of people and coaches who are invested in you on and off the field. I’m grateful they gave me an opportunity, and I can’t wait to be there.”
Isa will be joining a recruiting class that includes Jaysoni Beachum, Angelee Bueno, Ashtyn Danley, Mimi Gooden and Kennedy Harp and all six could help the Seminoles reach the Women’s College World Series, but fans will also see a player who is always ready to give 110%.
“I hate to lose,” Isa said. “But I grow each game I play whether I’m successful or not, and they should expect to see someone who is very passionate and competitive about the sport.”
Before her career in Tallahassee begins, Isa aims to cap off her senior year with a state title, and with head coach Melissa Hall, the Eagles could accomplish that goal.
“She came here my junior year, and I can’t say enough good things about her,” Isa said. “She really cares about each individual she has on her team.”
Whether she wins a state title or not, the future is bright for one of softball’s rising stars, and Isa will have plenty of great moments ahead of her, but she will always credit softball for helping her through life and will continue to lean on the life lessons the sport has taught her.
“Softball means so much to me,” Isa said. “Softball has got me far, but you learn to bounce back when you fail, how to deal with inconsistencies, and those life lessons you learn are significant. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without softball.”
