In this exciting installment of Discovering the Future of Softball, we journey to Lakeland, Florida, to spotlight the incredible La'Breah Sands. She is a multi-talented right-handed pitcher and utility player, making waves in the world of softball. Playing travel ball for the 14U Johnson/Amsler team and representing the Montverde Academy Eagles in high school, La'Breah showcases her exceptional skills with impressive stats: a .400 batting average, a remarkable 1.457 OPS, and a phenomenal pitching record that includes 279 strikeouts and a 1.54 ERA. when she is not pitching she is either playing 1B or OF.
She is ranked 4th in the country at the pitching position Line Drive Media
and 5th overall By Extra Innings
In this article, we explore La'Breah’s background, her aspirations, her proudest achievements, and the qualities that make her an outstanding athlete. Get ready to be inspired by her relentless drive, resilience, and dedication!
Setting the Stage for Success
La'Breah's softball journey is fueled by dedication and hard work. Despite her young age, she has set ambitious goals for herself. When discussing her aspirations, she emphasized the need for constant growth.
“I have some short-term goals I want to achieve,” she said with confidence. “I would like to accomplish are fixing my change up making it a little faster, continuing to get stronger for high school season, staying consistent and intentional and continuing to get good grades. Her commitment to excellence both on and off the field is admirable and serves as a strong example for young athletes everywhere.
Proud Moments on the Journey
When reflecting on her achievements, La'Breah proudly highlighted her time at Montverde Academy and her contributions to the state championship victory. “I’m really proud of my Unity Amsler/Johnson team and the amazing Summer/Fall season we’ve had,” she remarked.
Beyond softball, La'Breah also balances academics and music. “I’m proud of my accomplishments as a student, musician, and athlete,” she shared. This balance is often tough for young athletes, but La'Breah navigates her interests with impressive grace.
The Heart of a Team Player
What sets La'Breah apart is her understanding of teamwork. “I believe that I am a good player, but aside from being a good player I try to be a good teammate. I believe that building bonds with my team and having a good relationship on and off the field is what sets me apart from just playing the game of softball ” she stated.
This focus on collaboration reflects maturity that is often rare in young athletes. By fostering team bonds, La'Breah enhances her team dynamic and contributes to a motivating environment where everyone can thrive.
Mastering the Art of the Pitch
La'Breah shines in the pitching circle. When asked about her go-to pitch, she confidently replied, “I would have to say that my favorite pitch in my tool bag is my screwball, that’s what I call my money ball pitch. When the adrenaline is high and the game is on the line that’s the pitch that I count on to get through the batter. My screw is also my fastest pitch, this past summer at my peek it was clocked at 69mph." This pitch showcases her technical skills and mental strength, demonstrating her extensive training and focus during games.
An Aggressive Approach
La'Breah’s competitive spirit drives her philosophy on the field. “ I like when girls hug the line thinking it will force me to go outside, but instead I pound the ball even harder inside. I like to start ahead in the count whereas a batter I prefer to jump on the first pitch I like.” she remarked passionately. This confident mindset not only makes her a formidable opponent but also keeps her in a positive headspace for aggressive play. She says her approach remains the same at the plate "AGGRESSIVE" Her fierce determination allows her to excel in multiple roles—whether pitching or batting, she embodies the true essence of a dual-threat athlete.
Growth In The Game Through Influencers
As La'Breah Sands forges ahead in her softball journey, her ambitions extend beyond personal achievements and has many influences along the way. She stated "My family inspires me, specifically my mom and dad, because they make a lot of sacrifices to get me to where I am, and it makes me want to work even harder to give back to them. I am a middle child, so I look up to my brother La’Quan, who’s a track athlete at Florida State University. I saw all the work he’s put in, and it motivates me to push as well. I also have younger sisters who look up to me, so I try my best to be a good example for them." Her influences don't stop with family as she says "Lastly, my travel ball coach, Coach Dave—you don’t see kids staying with the same coaches for a long time a lot anymore. But Coach Dave gets me. We have chemistry; he can tell by one look if I’m not comfortable or confident in a pitch, and he and I make the adjustments. I am certain that he has my and my teammates' best interests at heart, so that’s why I go hard. We’ve always talked about building something special from when we were the Central Florida Stars, and he took a chance with us. "
The Future is Bright for La'Breah Sands
Reflecting on our conversation, it's clear that La'Breah Sands is a rising star in the softball community. With her impressive track record, fierce competitive spirit, and commitment to her team, she is poised for a bright future. With each game, La'Breah lays the groundwork for her path in softball and beyond. She exemplifies how hard work, resilience, and a dedication to growth can lead to remarkable achievements. She says "In middle school I played volleyball, but now with my high school schedule I try to balance my classes, music curriculum, travel softball, camps, and high school ball." She knows that he relationship with God is crucial to her successes " I am passionate about my relationship with God, I know that without him none of this would be possible. I also have a deep love for string instruments like the violin, guitar, and now the piano. Although some may think I’m good at playing them, I always try to find ways to be even better."
The Road Ahead
When asked if there are any camps that have stood out to her, she says, "On my camping trail, I pay attention to who consistently attends our games, and I try to attend their camps. Realistically, my parents can’t afford my attendance at all of them, but I try to get in a good mix, sending emails and highlights to the schools that are further out of reach." She added, "Each camp so far has been special in its own way; no product is quite the same. However, I like when schools take the time to give feedback because I’m intentional about making those adjustments."
She does have two schools that stand out to her early on for different reasons "I can remember when I was 10years old and watching the college Softball. Aliyah Andrews was playing the outfield for LSU and made some amazing plays and hit an in the park home-run. I sent her an Instagram DM and told her I wanted to be just like her. The craziest part was she responded to little old me… I have a copy for that message to this day! From that moment on I followed her and the program."
She says "However outside of that, my brother runs track for Florida State University so we are FSU track fans." She says she is open to all options as "I root for all female sport programs, I love that we are finally making our voices heard. I like the direction that the sport is going in and I happy to be a small part of its evolution!"
Awesome in every wat