Photo by Trista Whisnant
By Angela Brunk
Aliya Aguilar, a senior at Wichita Northwest High School, is a dedicated and skilled athlete who excels on the softball field as both a catcher and a shortstop. This season, Aguilar is focusing on the mental side of the game and is aiming to strengthen mental toughness during the season. Aguilar’s hope for the team this season is to build stronger connections and foster a sense of unity through team-building efforts.
Aguilar is particularly excited about the upcoming games against some of the area’s most competitive teams, including Bishop Carroll and Maize. Aguilar believes that playing against such strong opponents pushes her to raise her level of play and helps her identify areas where she can improve as a player. Throughout the offseason, Aguilar worked diligently to enhance her batting skills and improve her defensive capabilities. Especially focusing on making crucial plays to pick off runners.
Last season, Aguilar achieved an impressive .469 batting average, a statistic she is incredibly proud of. Aguilar’s commitment to excellence is evident both on and off the field. Beyond Aguilar’s athletic pursuits, Aguilar is passionate about helping others and plans to pursue a career in nursing. She has already started gaining experience by volunteering at a local nursing home, where she connects with residents and supports the nursing staff.
As Aguilar heads into her final season at Wichita Northwest, she is determined to leave a lasting impact on her team while continuing to grow as both an athlete and a future healthcare professional. After graduation, Aguilar plans to attend Wichita State University to pursue her healthcare professional degree.
