Student Athlete of the Week: Saleen Amaya

While playing the most physically demanding position on the diamond, senior Saleen Amaya has grown tremendously throughout her four seasons as Niwot High School softball's starting catcher.

Amaya would be the first to admit that she struggled with blocking balls in the dirt and framing pitches early in her career. But with hard work and perhaps some patience on behalf of Niwot's coaching staff, her glovework has become a strength.

"I feel like I've definitely developed a lot," Amaya said. "I feel like freshman-year-me would be proud of how I am right now."

Even home plate umpires have commented on Amaya's defensive improvements.

"The umpire actually told me he remembers her (Amaya) as a freshman, and he said he's pretty sure she only caught one ball when she was a freshman and he caught every other one," Niwot head coach Bobby Matthews shared following the Cougars' 1-0 win over Erie High School on Aug. 27. "The amount that she's grown since freshman year to now is (impressive). She's framing pitches back there and doing a great job."

Amaya's performance behind the plate against Erie was an excellent encapsulation of her growth. Working with pitcher Kianna Butler, a senior who throws with above-average velocity and movement, Amaya helped her hurler to 15 strikeouts and zero walks.

"We have the same mindset and everything," Butler said of her battery mate. "We just connect and we're really good together."

Although Amaya granted Butler most of the credit, she admitted that a few borderline pitches were likely turned into strikes because of her framing abilities.

"It was a lot of Kianna, but there were a couple of balls that I framed pretty well," Amaya said.

The humble Amaya shared that Matthews has played a large role in her growth as a catcher.

"Bobby's taught me a lot about catching and a lot about situations and stuff like that," Amaya said. "I'm really grateful that Bobby's been my coach for four years."

Amid her final high school season, Amaya said she's focused on staying positive while encouraging her teammates to do the same. Being a generous leader for Niwot's three varsity freshmen is also important.

Like many other seniors, Amaya is experiencing mixed emotions early in her final high school season.

"It's my last run and I'm sad, but I'm also excited," Amaya said. "I'm excited to see how we do. We have a really good team this year. I think we're really strong. We're building the bond that we need, and it's really exciting."

Amaya is still pondering her post-high school plans, but she mentioned interest in attending Colorado State University.