Living In a Sports Shutdown--PCC Softball's Danielle Ruiz Finds Ways To Stay Positive

Lancer Danielle Ruiz was having an All-State type season when the year was shutdown in March, photo by Michael Watkins.

Posted: Apr 06, 2020

(The second feature in our Living in a Sports Shutdown series. Sophomores from PCC Spring Sports teams are profiled)

Shortstop Danielle Ruiz was on a hot streak in the month of February for the Pasadena City College softball team. The sophomore was reaching base at a sizzling .674 pace, but little did she know that March 7 would mark her final game of the 2020 season as the world health crisis over the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) stopped all CCCAA sports and in the process ended Ruiz's potential All-State year.

In 12 games in February, the All-South Coast Conference infielder batted .545, finishing the month on a nine-game hitting streak. She collected 18 hits, 11 walks and was hit by pitches twice over that span to reach base safely 31 times in 46 plate appearances. Ruiz also stole 14 bases, scored 16 runs, had four doubles and knocked in eight RBIs as the Lancers' leadoff batter. Her OPS was an amazing 1.341. Ruiz led the Lancers to an 8-4 month. She was an honorable mention for the CCCSIA State Athlete of the Month Award.

Overall in 20 games, Ruiz led the Lancers with a .436 average, a .592 on-base percentage, 23 runs scored, 24 hits, five doubles, 17 walks and 18 stolen bases. She was third in the state in steals and fourth in the state in drawing base on balls.

Ruiz also was playing stellar defense after moving to shortstop from her second base starting spot in 2019. The Lancers were 11-9 overall and at 6-4 were in a tight battle for second place in the South Coast Conference race.

"Dani is absolute nails. She is the kid you want up to bat to an inning started, the kid you want up in a RBI situation, and on defense, she's the kid you want the ball hit to when the final out needs to be made," said PCC head coach Monica Tantlinger. "Her attitude is that you bring your best and try to beat my best. One of the truest competitors we've had at PCC."

Ruiz came to PCC from South El Monte High and she currently lives at home in that city with her mother and grandmother as she copes with the isolation from her regular routine.

The following is a Q&A with Ruiz

Q: You were having a big follow-up season to last year, how did you initially handle the news of the shutdown and was it a shock to you and your teammates?
Danielle: I was definitely disappointed and more heartbroken rather than shocked. My teammates and I all found out at the same time from our coach in our group chat. It didn't really hit me until the following Monday began (March 16) and my days just seemed dull and long. It made me realize to appreciate the small things more.

Q: What has been the biggest thing you've missed as a college student-athlete since the season was shut down?

Danielle: I miss my teammates!! These girls and I spent our entire days together, literally. From the early mornings to the hot, sweaty afternoons. I think I mainly miss the practices, being coached by Coach T. Being with my teammates and coaches were the highlight of my days.

Q: Are you pleased that the California Community Colleges and NCAA are handing back the year of eligibility to Spring sports participants?

Danielle: I was excited and motivated once I found out that we all gained our eligibility back, but for some I know it really was the end to their chapter. However, I do plan to come back to PCC. I had to stay another year to fulfill my transfer requirements, so I guess you can say I got lucky to be able to play another year.

Q: What have you done to stay in shape and pass the time to replace the lost practices/games?

Danielle: Since the season has ended, I've been staying in shape by working out and practicing on my own at home. I do work out at least once a week with my whole team, including Coach T in a Zoom video workout. I'm also lucky to have a big enough back yard to set up a Bownet and hit off the tee. I get defensive reps by throwing a ball off a wall and work on the fundamentals.

Q: What have you been able to do that you wouldn't have been able to do since the shut down, or what have you done to pass some of the down time?
Danielle: I've been taking advantage of some much needed rest. Prior to the shutdown, I was working out every day and we were playing doubleheaders almost every weekend. Aside from softball, I also work at a fast food place so after practices I would go straight to work and not get home until 10pm. I've also been watching many movies and TV shows on Disney+ and Netflix to pass the time now.

Q: What has been the best part of attending/playing at PCC? Do you feel you've grown as a player from high school?

Danielle: The best part about playing at PCC is being able to play with such great and talented ladies! Throughout my time here, I've made some friendships that I know will last a lifetime. My sisters. They made the experience one I will never forget. I feel like since high school, I've definitely grown as a player and a person.

Tantlinger echoed the news that Danielle will be back to play for the Lancers in 2021. "I'm so happy she gets a year back to showcase her talents. It's been a tough time for everyone and it's part of the good news that we've received that we can take into next season."