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THE 411: Elsik’s Vasquez Has Turned a Curious Introduction Into a Passion for Softball
CATHERINE VASQUEZ IS ON THE CUSP OF A BREAKOUT YEAR.
The Elsik senior pitcher has put in countless hours this offseason with one goal in mind — taking her game to the college level. After helping lead the Rams to the postseason, Vasquez has her sights set higher in 2026.
But her story goes beyond the diamond. At its core, it’s about family, responsibility, and heart. We caught up with Vasquez in the Elsik dugout to talk softball, life, and what truly makes her tick in our 411 Feature.
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VYPE: Softball… when did you fall in love with the sport?
VASQUEZ: “It’s a funny story. I used to watch Good Luck Charlie all the time. There was an episode where they were playing softball, and it looked like so much fun. I told my mom about it and she signed me up the next day — that was in seventh grade. That show got me hooked, and I grew to love the sport.”
VYPE: Fast forward to now — what’s your favorite show?
VASQUEZ: “That’s easy — Stranger Things. I love anything from the 1980s. I tell my mom all the time how lucky she was to grow up in the ’80s. You could ride your bike or walk around the neighborhood and not worry about a thing.”
VYPE: What are your passions outside of softball?
VASQUEZ: “My mom. It’s just me and her. She suffers from asthma, and I help her as much as I can. I’ve been driving since I was 13 to run errands or go to the store. I also love my grandma — she has diabetes, and I help inject her insulin. Taking care of them has built my passion for becoming a nurse someday. I’m a very good caregiver.”
VYPE: What would your teammates say about you?
VASQUEZ: “I’m a quiet leader — I don’t boss people around or yell to get my point across. That’s not me. I’m also very hard on myself, so they’d probably say I’m passionate about the sport and a hard worker.”
VYPE: What have you learned about being part of a team?
VASQUEZ: “Girls are very sensitive with our thoughts and feelings. To be a good teammate, you have to be accepting and understanding. Being in tune with everyone’s emotions and keeping everyone involved is key to having a good team. I’ve learned so much about myself through sports.”
VYPE: What are you trying to accomplish this season?
VASQUEZ: “I want my opponents and my teammates to see how much work I’ve put in and how much I’ve improved. That’s all the validation I need.”
UNDERDOG MENTALITY: Shakes is on a Mission Back to State for Elsik in 2025
FOR MANY ATHLETES, BEING UNDERESTIMATED IS A PART OF THE JOURNEY. BUT FOR ALIEF ELSIK JUNIOR CAIUS SHAKES, IT’S BECOME A DRIVING FORCE BEHIND HIS SUCCESS.
Shakes, who competes in the high jump, has often been labeled an “underdog” by head boys track coach Daric Zeno due to his relatively smaller stature compared to many of his competitors.
But for Shakes, it’s more than just a label — it’s a challenge he’s eager to prove wrong.
“Going into a lot of my competitions, I can see how some of the other guys might look down on me, and I can sometimes overhear them doubting me,” Shakes said. “I’ve always been overlooked because of my height. Most of those guys out there are 6-foot-3 or 6-foot-4, and I’m standing at 5-foot-9.”
Shakes, however, refuses to let his size define him.
“I want to go in and prove everyone wrong,” he said. “I want to be one of the best, so that no one takes me for granted again.”
During his sophomore year, Shakes competed in several events for Elsik, including relays and the 400m dash, but it was the high jump where he truly shined. He captured a gold medal at the District Meet, followed by a silver at Regionals, and eventually became the lone Alief representative at the 2024 UIL-6A State Track Meet in Austin.
“It was an unreal experience,” said Shakes. “I was glad to meet so many different competitors and appreciated everyone who came to support me. It also gave me a better understanding of what it takes to not only reach that stage but to succeed at it.”
Though Shakes has tried other sports like football, track quickly became his focus. However, that wasn’t always the case.
“Honestly, what got me into this sport was my mom,” he admitted. “I didn’t want to do it at first. I knew it would hurt, and there would be a lot of pain in the development process. But she pushed me, telling me that God would guide me to the right path. After doing well in the high jump in seventh grade, it just stuck with me.”
Shakes’ faith has also played a key role in his athletic journey.
“At last year’s Regionals Meet, I made a promise with God,” he shared. “I told Him I would get baptized if He helped me make it to State. Well, it happened. As soon as the season ended, I went and fulfilled my promise. This year, it’s all about where He continues to guide me.”
After finishing seventh at the State meet last year, Shakes is poised for even greater accomplishments this season. With determination, faith, and a relentless drive to prove himself, the sky is the limit for Elsik’s rising star.