Italia Carpio Appreciates The Long Road Traveled
Italia Carpio
Italia
Carpio
AZ
has spent the last four years making a 5 ½-hour commute from her home in Glendale, Ariz. to Southern California to play for various travel teams. Nearly every weekend, she hits the road with her parents for practices or tournament games.
“I wanted to be exposed to a more competitive level for softball, and California is considered the mecca of softball,” said Carpio, a 2027 recruit. “I wanted to just play against the best competition and at a higher level and push myself to be a better player.”
Carpio appreciates the sacrifices her parents have made to help her pursue her softball dreams over the years.
“I think it's really helped us just build a good relationship through the long days and the driving,” said Carpio, who plays travel ball for Athletics Mercado Potter-Hovermale. “It can be a lot getting home late on Sundays and having to go to work and school the next day. But they wouldn't trade it for the world and neither would I.”
Carpio's dedication and hard work have led to an opportunity to play softball in college. She has committed to Utah State.
“The campus just felt super welcoming and safe,” Carpio said. “It's an environment where I could really grow. It's still close to home, but far enough away to get the college experience.”
Carpio plays outfield and middle infield. At Sandra Day O'Connor High, she earned Offensive Player of the Year and first-team all-regional honors.
“Despite my size, I would definitely say I have a lot of power,” she said. “Typically being lead off or the second batter, I tend to get on base a lot, and I'm fast. I have a good arm in the outfield as well.”
An all-academic selection, Carpio wants to become a family medicine physician's assistant. Her interest in the medical field was sparked by her dad, who went to nursing school and is now a physical therapist.
“I just think medicine is such a cool field to be in, because it branches off into so many different jobs that you can pursue,” she said. “I really want to help kids. Just helping children feel safe and supported while managing their health is something that I'm really passionate about.”
Through her travels to California over the years for softball, Carpio has been rewarded by more than just improvements in her own game.
“My favorite part is just the friendships I've made, whether we're on the same team or not,” Carpio said. “I've met so many different people, and just all the moments that I've been able to experience playing there have been great.”
As she watches the next generation of players begin their journey through softball, Carpio hopes they can savor the experience and appreciate all the life lessons that come with the pursuit of reaching their potential.
“I want younger athletes to know that your worth isn't measured by your stats or rankings or who's watching. It's how you persevere through the hard days and in hard moments,” she said. “They should never forget the work you put in when no one's looking is what sets you apart from other athletes and to build a foundation for yourself as an athlete.”
