Student-Athlete of the Week: Jasmine Aldama

Through Oct. 3, Jasmine Aldama has put on the Niwot softball uniform a whopping 83 times in her career. The versatile senior cleanup hitter has been a valuable asset for head coach Bobby Matthews.

Aldama has primarily started at third base, but has also been an option in the circle during her career. Additionally, Aldama has recently played innings in center field, a position she was familiar with on her club team.

It's with a bat in her hands, however, that Aldama truly shines. Matthews said the four-year starter has found her stride at the plate in her senior season. Her .429 batting average with just two regular season games remaining marks a career best.

"She has had a breakout season," Matthews said. "She has come up with clutch hits in some big situations at the plate for us. I am very happy with the way she has stepped up in all areas on and off the field."

Aldama believes her offensive improvement could be attributed to having a better mindset and correcting her swing path.

"Last year I got in my head a lot," said Aldama, who has produced a career-high 10 extra base hits. "There's a lot of things that I could have been working on and Bobby definitely helped me with that. Like my swing position, I just had to work on that... I've been smoking balls now."

When asked what she'll miss most about Niwot, her answer was simple: softball and coach Matthews. "He's made me an overall better person," she said.

As Aldama's final games loomed, she reflected on her time playing softball. While she hasn't completely ruled out continuing her playing career, she's still relishing these ultimate opportunities.

"It's a lot of emotions, especially because it's my last year playing softball," she said.

Niwot's 11-10 record through Oct. 3 puts the Cougars 25th in the Class 4A RPI rankings. If they want to be one of the 32 teams in regionals, Aldama said the Cougars have to come out more energized and play as a team.