When a team is in its infancy, it needs a strong leader to hold things together and help the team grow. For American Leadership Academy’s softball team, Breana Borges is that person.

Borges is coming off her first season of varsity softball. As is the American Leadership team. 

The school first opened its doors in 2022 and just had its first year of varsity athletics across all sports. Borges’ family heard good things about the school and believed the educational experience would benefit their daughter more than a traditional school. 

During the team’s first year, Borges was one of the most experienced players. She has played softball since she was eight years old and took on a leadership role this past year. 

“ It was a little hard just because a lot of the girls were younger,” Borges said. “But I just felt for the older girls, it was a good opportunity for us to teach them.”

The Patriots finished the year 7-17-1. While the team struggled at times, there were plenty of games where its potential was visible. The team was shut out just twice this season and had multiple losses of three runs or less. 

Borges is confident that with a little development, the team can come back stronger next season. 

“Next year will be better,” she said. “ Everyone got along, and I just think we made a really good team. It's just the younger girls. We just need to help them more on some stuff.”

Softball is Borges’ passion. Her love of the game blossomed from the time she spent with her family. She is one of five siblings, and her dad played baseball in high school. Together, they work on their skills and bond over baseball and softball. 

“ I'll just ask them like, ‘Hey, can you toss this ball to me?’” Borges said. “They always do it.”

Outside of ALA, she also plays softball for the Lady Sandstorms travel ball team. 

When not on the softball field, she is often walking her dog, attending church, spending time with her family or swimming. She takes her religion seriously and loves being around those closest to her.

Balancing the on and off the field life can be challenging, but Borges has the discipline to make it work.  

“It’s a little hard, but I just get it done,” she said. 

Borges is a rising senior and focused on improving for her final year of high school ball. She is coming off a strong junior year, where she led the team in batting average, hits and runs. She was the only player on her team to hit over 0.400 and had over 30 hits. 

“ I think I did pretty well for my first time being on a high school team,” Borges said. 

Borges needs no motivation to get better. Her desire to improve is all internal. 

“I just need myself,” she said. 

Next year, she hopes to improve her hitting stats and add a few home runs. 

After high school, Borges hopes to attend college and play softball. Her desire to lead both in and out of sports will guide her post-playing career as well. 

“I want to get a degree in education,” she said. “I definitely enjoy teaching.”