Baseball is known to be a male dominated sport and hasn’t led many careers for women. Though, one Chandler teen is hoping to change that.

Sophia Valencia is a freshman attending Chandler High School who has been practicing to join one of the top high school baseball teams in Arizona. She got into baseball the first semester and joined an all boys freshman team, making her the only girl player there. One day, she was told that she would be a part of a 6A baseball team, meaning she is a part of the 32 largest high school teams in Arizona, according to OSSAA Illustrated.

The Horizon Sun was able to interview Valencia and ask her a few questions.

The Horizon Sun: What was your reaction to the news?

Sophia Valencia: My reaction to the news was pure shock because I wasn’t expecting to get a call from such a high end company.

The Sun: How did you manage to keep going through all the doubt?

SV: I managed to get through the doubt by keeping my head held high and carrying a strong aura on my shoulders.

The Sun: How did you get on the news?

SV: I got on the news by [the producers] seeing my story on my Instagram and my parents’ social media and thought my story was inspiring to others.

The Sun: How do you believe that this will affect future generations of women in baseball?

SV: I believe this will affect younger women in baseball by them hearing my story and being able to believe that they can and will get through it and they can make it far.

The Sun: Is there anything you want to tell young women who are doubting themselves?

SV: Some things I would love to tell young women is that they are going to be okay and the hard times and all the thoughts of quitting will build them into a stronger baseball player. Lastly, if you aren’t getting by the media then you aren’t doing something right. Also the media is a strong place so post your hits and workouts the most that’s how you get scouted and use the hate as power.

The Sun: If you could go back in time, would you want to say anything to your younger self? What would you want to say?

SV: Something I would say to my younger self is you will make it through and keep your head held high. Also to start putting in work because the little things do matter. Lastly is yes your parents are always right to take their advice.

Valencia’s achievement isn’t just another baseball win, it’s so much more. As stated before, baseball is mostly known for male’s participation. So Valencia’s achievement showed that if you believe, you can do anything.