At just 13 years old, Diana Perez has already built a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors in Arizona softball. A proud member of the Arizona Rising Mabrey 2011 team, Diana makes her mark both in the middle infield and as an outfielder, bringing versatility, leadership, and heart to every game she plays. Known for her relentless work ethic and fearless mindset, she’s not just chasing personal success—she’s determined to help her team rise to every challenge and leave a lasting impact on and off the field.

How did you first get started playing?
I first started playing when I was 6 years old in a baseball league. I joined an all-girls team that competed against all-boys teams, which was an exciting and challenging experience. Our team held its own; we had a winning record both seasons I played, and in my final year, we won the division championship against the top boys team. That moment really sparked my love for the game and made me realize how much I enjoy competing and being part of something bigger than myself.

What position do you play, and what do you love most about it?
I play multiple positions, which I see as a badge of honor. On this team, I’ve been asked to wear several hats, and I take pride in being a utility player who can step up wherever I’m needed. When I’m in the outfield, I love the unique perspective it gives me on the game and how I get to use my speed to track down balls and support my teammates. In the infield, I enjoy the fast-paced action and the responsibility that comes with making quick, smart plays. What I love most is that my coaches and teammates trust me in different roles, and I’m always ready to contribute wherever I can help the team succeed.

Who introduced you to the sport or inspired your passion for the game?
I was first introduced to baseball by my two younger cousins who started playing before I did. At first, it was just a fun way to stay active. But the more time I spent playing, the more I fell in love with the process of getting better. A big part of that came from the time I spent with my dad. He helped me understand the game, work on my mechanics, and build my fundamentals. What really deepened my love for the sport was how it brought us closer together. We bonded over our shared passion, and we both looked up to Kobe Bryant and his Mamba Mentality. That mindset of always striving to improve and loving the grind is something we both carry into everything we do.

What’s been your most memorable moment on the field so far?
My most memorable moment on the field so far was in 2021, when I competed in the MLB Pitch, Hit, and Run competition at my local recreational park. It was my second year doing it. My first year, I finished as one of the top competitors in the state but didn’t make it to nationals. That experience motivated my dad and me to train even harder, and in 2021, our dedication paid off. I qualified for the national competition, and my dad and I were flown out to Atlanta, where I had the incredible opportunity to compete on the same field as the pros during the World Series. That year, I won the entire national championship. It’s still my favorite memory in the game because it showed me that hard work and perseverance really can take you anywhere.

How has your game evolved since you first started playing?
Since I first started playing, the game has changed a lot. It’s gotten much faster, more competitive, and more intense at every level. The speed of play, the athleticism, and the strategy have all grown, and so has the visibility of softball, especially through college and professional leagues. Seeing the sport gain more national attention has been really inspiring. Personally, my game has evolved in every way. I’ve become a smarter, more disciplined player, not just relying on natural ability but focusing on things like game awareness, mechanics, and mental toughness. I’ve had to adapt, grow stronger, and develop the versatility to play multiple positions. I’ve learned to embrace the grind and the constant push to improve because that’s what it takes to compete at a high level in today’s game.

What does a typical training week look like for you during the season?
Playing at this level has taught me the importance of taking care of my body and training with a focus on quality over quantity. In Arizona, softball is nearly a year-round sport, so we don’t have a full off-season to train. My dad and I really emphasize quality reps, especially during the season. I have at least one hitting lesson each week with my coach, Ali Ashner, and I aim to get 100 quality swings at home using my Blast Softball sensor to track and analyze my progress. We also do one fielding session per week focused on fundamentals and muscle memory.

Lately, I’ve added three weekly strength and speed workouts with my older brother, Giovanni Perez, to build the athleticism needed for the next level. Every day, I hold myself accountable to do something to improve, whether it’s skill work, stretching, or recovery. Nutrition and recovery are just as important. I monitor my meals, especially pre- and post-workout, to make sure I’m fueling properly. My goal is to train and take care of myself like a college athlete so I’m ready when that opportunity comes.

How do you mentally prepare for games? Any pregame rituals or routines?
Mentality is everything for me now. It wasn’t always that way, but over time, I’ve learned just how important the mental side of the game is. In the week leading up to a tournament, I focus on setting clear goals and identifying two or three key phrases or focus words that help keep me grounded. I use those during games, before at-bats or when taking the field on defense, to center myself, stay calm, and stay locked in on my job. That routine has really helped me slow the game down, manage pressure, and approach each moment with confidence and purpose.

What’s one skill you’ve worked hardest to improve?
The skill I’ve worked hardest to improve is my mindset. It’s something I focus on daily because every week brings a new challenge, and I’ve learned that success at the highest levels, whether in college or the pros, always starts with the mind. About a year ago, my dad and I made it a priority to train mentally just like we train physically. We started reading books like Grit and The Mamba Mentality, watching mental training videos, and taking mental reps seriously. I even completed a Bulletproof Hitter program, which really helped me strengthen my focus and confidence at the plate. My hitting coach, Ali Ashner, has also played a big role. She’s helped me approach the game with a positive mindset and believe in my preparation every time I step into the box.

How do you handle slumps or rough stretches during the season?
Slumps and rough stretches are part of the game, and I’ve learned not to panic when they happen. When I hit a rough patch, I go back to the basics, my routine, my mindset, and my preparation. I remind myself that my worth as a player isn’t based on one at-bat or one game. My dad and I look at film or data from my Blast sensor to see if anything’s off with my mechanics, and we make adjustments if needed. But most of all, I lean on my mental training, positive self-talk, staying present, and focusing on what I can control. I’ve learned to trust the work I’ve put in and stay consistent. Slumps don’t last when your preparation and mindset are strong.

Do you play or train year-round, or take time off in the offseason?
Softball in Arizona is almost a year-round sport, so I play and train pretty much year-round. That said, I’ve learned how important it is to be intentional with my training and recovery. I don’t take full time off, but I do build in periods where I scale back on competition to focus on development, whether that’s refining my swing, working on speed and strength, or giving my body the time it needs to recover.

Just as importantly, I make it a priority to spend time with my family. I’m really close with my grandparents and siblings, and we always find ways to make the most of the time we have together. Sometimes that means they travel with us for tournaments, and we carve out time before or after games to do something fun as a family. Having that balance helps keep me grounded, focused, and grateful for the support system I have.

What do you value most about being part of your team?
What I value most about being part of the Rising Mabrey team is how much it’s pushed me to grow, not just as a player, but as a teammate and person. Coach Todd Mabrey has really brought out the best in me by challenging me to raise my standards in everything I do. He teaches us not to settle, not to sell ourselves short, and to take pride in giving maximum effort. That mindset has become a big part of how I approach the game.

The entire Rising organization is built on those same values. What makes it special is that every coach and leader takes the time to get to know every player, no matter what team they’re on. They go out of their way to support us, train with us, and help us succeed, not just in softball, but in life. I’m truly grateful to be part of a team and program that believes in its players and invests in their growth.

How do you balance individual performance with team goals?
For me, balancing individual performance with team goals starts with understanding that my role is to help the team succeed, whatever that looks like on any given day. I always want to perform at my best, but I’ve learned that sometimes that means laying down a bunt, moving a runner, or bringing energy even when I’m not at my best offensively. I focus on doing my job and staying consistent in my preparation because when everyone commits to their role, the team wins.

Being part of this team has taught me that individual success means more when it contributes to something bigger. I take pride in being a player my teammates and coaches can count on, whether it’s making a play, encouraging others, or just doing the little things that lead to wins.

Who’s a teammate that inspires or pushes you to be better?
While I truly admire all of my teammates and love them for who they are both on and off the field, one teammate who has consistently inspired me is KJ Tipton. I’ve known and played with KJ in some capacity since I was about eight years old, during my second season of rec ball, right before COVID. She’s been a close friend ever since, and even though she’s not on my current team, she’s still part of the Rising organization.

What inspires me most about KJ is her mindset and work ethic. From a young age, she’s always been focused on getting better, and she’s never let up. Watching her grow into one of the best players in Arizona has been incredibly motivating. But beyond her talent, she’s one of the kindest, most genuine people I know. Her dedication, consistency, and friendship push me to be the best version of myself, both as a player and as a person.

What’s the toughest team or player you’ve faced, and why?
One of the toughest teams I’ve faced recently is the LGT Lions out of California. We’ve played them multiple times over the years, from 10U days to now. Every game has been a battle. They have strong, consistent pitching, and they’re extremely sound fundamentally. What really stands out about them is how opportunistic they are at the plate; they capitalize on every chance they get. They’re a smart, disciplined team, and I always look forward to playing them because it pushes me and my team to be at our best.

How do you respond to pressure in high-stakes moments?
In high-stakes moments, I focus on staying calm, breathing, and trusting my preparation. I’ve learned that pressure is just part of the game, and instead of fearing it, I’ve worked to embrace it. Before big plays or at-bats, I use key focus words or phrases that I’ve trained myself to rely on. They help me stay relaxed and centered. I remind myself to slow the game down, stick to my role, and just do my job. I know I’ve put in the work, so when the pressure is on, it’s about being present, confident, and playing with purpose.

What has the sport taught you about life beyond the field?
Softball has taught me so much more than just how to compete. It’s taught me life lessons that I know will stay with me forever. I’ve learned the value of discipline, consistency, and mental toughness, and how to handle both success and failure with humility. But what’s made those lessons even more meaningful is how my father has always helped me connect them to life beyond the field. Anytime I face a new challenge in softball, he helps me see the bigger picture, how these moments shape me into a better person, not just a better player.

One of my biggest goals is to become a doctor, and my dad constantly reminds me that the same resilience, patience, and work ethic I’m building through softball are the same qualities I’ll need in the classroom and in my future career. He’s helped me understand that every setback or speed bump is an opportunity to grow into the best version of myself, and that mindset has made all the difference.

How do you stay motivated when things get tough?
When things get tough, I stay motivated by focusing on my training and preparation. I remind myself that if I’ve truly put in the work, if I’ve trained hard and stayed consistent, then I can be proud of whatever the outcome is. That gives me peace because I know I’ve given it my best, and that’s all I can control.

I also lean on my support system, my family, my coaches, and my friends. I think about all the sacrifices they’ve made and the encouragement they’ve given me throughout my journey. That reminder helps me keep going, especially during tough times. I try to keep perspective and remember that I’m not defined by what happens on the field. What really matters is how I prepare, how I respond, and the kind of person I am becoming in the process.

Who is a role model or professional athlete you look up to and why?
Two role models who have had a big impact on me are Kobe Bryant and Sierra Romero. Since I started playing at six years old, I’ve always worn Kobe’s number. He was someone my dad and I both connected with deeply. We admired his mindset, his work ethic, and his obsession with the process. That’s why all of my social media handles include some version of ‘mamba.’ He’s been a constant source of inspiration for how I approach both the game and life.

At the same time, Sierra Romero has been someone I’ve looked up to since I was a little girl. As a Mexican-American, seeing her dominate the game at such a high level meant everything to me. You don’t always see many athletes who look like me on that kind of stage, and watching her made me believe that I could do it too. She gave me someone to relate to, someone who helped me feel seen, and even today, I still see parts of myself in her story.

What are your goals moving forward in your athletic career?
One of my biggest goals moving forward is to play college softball while attending an amazing school that will help me pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. I’m committed to putting in the work, on the field, in the classroom, and in my personal growth, to make that goal a reality. At the same time, I’ve learned to focus on what I can control: my effort, my preparation, and my attitude.

Whether or not I end up playing college softball won’t define who I am. What matters most to me is continuing to grow into the best version of myself, athletically, academically, and personally. I want to be known not just for how I played, but for how I carried myself, how I treated others, and how I kept pushing forward no matter what.

If you could give advice to a younger player just starting out, what would it be?
If I could give advice to a younger player just starting out, I’d tell them to fall in love with the process, not just the wins or big moments, but the hard work, the small improvements, and even the setbacks. Don’t be afraid to fail because that’s how you grow. Be coachable, stay curious, and always give your best effort, whether it’s practice or a game.

I’d also say to surround yourself with people who believe in you, your family, your teammates, your coaches, and remember to enjoy the journey with them. And most of all, never forget that who you are as a person matters more than any stat or performance. Keep chasing your goals, but don’t lose sight of becoming the best version of yourself along the way.

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