Athlete of the Week: Danika Spinogatti, Montverde Academy softball

A Winter Garden resident, Windermere Little League product and FSU softball commit, Montverde Academy’s Danika Spinogatti is one the top softball players in the state.


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Montverde Academy softball player Danika Spinogatti, one of the top-ranked catchers in the country and a big part of the Eagles state championship team last season, recently signed her National Letter of Intent and will continue her educational and athletic career at Florida State. 

Beyond being a state champion and future Seminole softball star, the Winter Garden resident and Windermere Little League product has racked up numerous accolades on the field. She has been named to the PGF All-American team, as well as the USSSA Select 30 All-American team and is even a member of the U18 Italian National team. 


The Basics

Age: 17 

Sport: Softball 

Grade: Senior

School: Montverde Academy 


Q&A

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week? 

I’m excited to be recognized as the Athlete of the Week. It feels good to know that the hard work is still paying off. 

What do you like the most about softball?

I love the fast-paced action of softball. I love to hit bombs and throw runners out. I also love the places all over the world softball has taken me to.  

How does it feel to commit to play at the next level? 

Honestly, it’s one of the most rewarding feelings I have ever experienced. I had a long recruiting journey, so to have this light at the end of the tunnel was such a huge weight off my shoulders. 

What was it about FSU that made it the right choice for you? 

The coaches and current players made me feel like family from Day 1. The school and the softball facilities are amazing, plus I have a good chance of playing in the Women’s College World Series.

What is your goal for this season — for yourself and the team? 

Our team goal is to repeat as state champions, and my personal goal is to improve upon all my stats from last year.  

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from softball? 

You’re going to have bad days, but you can’t let that break you down. You need to keep your head up and fight through the bad times. It’s a team sport, so lean on your teammates during those times. 

Favorite softball memory?

When my travel team ran off eight straight games in a 24-hour period to battle out of the losers bracket in a big national tournament. We had a few walk-off wins, which were so memorable. 

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

Always Dunkin Donuts! Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher and Maple Sugar Bacon Sandwich.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

Can I say I’d just bring a Buc-ee’s? Because then I’d be set for life, because they have everything.

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?  

Kevin Hart, because he is so funny.

What is your favorite subject?

Psychology, because I like learning about the way the mind works.  

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

Without a doubt, the Jurassic period, so I can see dinosaurs in real life! 

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self? 

Don’t worry about what other people think, just do you and focus on yourself. 

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

What date was the largest lottery jackpot, and what were the numbers? 

Who is your favorite superhero?

Spider-Man, because he is the funniest out of all the superheroes and gets to sling webs.

Who is your favorite supervillain?

The Joker, because he didn’t really have superpowers, but he always found a creative way to wreak havoc on Batman. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Invisibility, so I can be anywhere at any time without anyone knowing. 

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?

France to see the Eiffel Tower, Dubai to see the buildings, and Egypt to ride a camel and see pyramids. 

What is your most controversial food take?

I love honey mustard and barbecue sauce on hamburgers. 

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Yes! I love me a good Hawaiian pizza. 

 

author

Sam Albuquerque

A native of João Pessoa, Brazil, Sam Albuquerque moved in 1997 to Central Florida as a kid. After earning a communications degree in 2016 from the University of Central Florida, he started his career covering sports as a producer for a local radio station, ESPN 580 Orlando. He went on to earn a master’s degree in editorial journalism from Northwestern University, before moving to South Carolina to cover local sports for the USA Today Network’s Spartanburg Herald-Journal. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his lovely wife, Sarah, newborn son, Noah, and dog named Skulí.

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