By Corbin Pierce, Sports Information Student, Grade 11
Montverde Academy softball team member Luna Taboas recently shined on the world stage.
The tenth-grade standout recently competed in the Pan American U18 Games in Monteria, Colombia, and dominated.
Representing her native Puerto Rico, not only did she compete, but the phenom led Puerto Rico to winning the gold medal at the games, which took place between March 30 and April 6.
As one of the youngest players at the games, the 16-year-old Taboas played predominantly with 17- and 18-year-olds and led the team in several statistical categories, including a team-high .556 batting average (15-for-27) while leading the team in hits with 15, runs with 12, and triples with two.
“My feelings for what I felt for winning the gold medal was unexplainable,” said Taboas. “I felt so much pride for winning this title for my country.”
As a result of her and Puerto Rico’s gold medal result, Taboas and her Puerto Rico U18 teammates will compete for the World Baseball Softball Confederation World Cup in Pingtan, China, in August.
The results in Colombia are a reflection of what Taboas has done on the diamond for Montverde Academy so far in 2024. In 17 games this season, Taboas is batting a team-high .550 (33-for-60) and is leading the team in runs with 27 and stolen bases with 24 while sharing the team lead in hits with 33.
“The thing that drives me to be better every day and do what I do is just thinking about my family and my country, the reason I do this sport,” Taboas added.