Trust the Path: Emily Gomez

Published on Feb 4 2026

Originally from the Wilton/Orangevale area of California, Emily Gomez is a freshman catcher and utility player for the CR Women’s Softball team.

Emily started playing softball at age eight, encouraged by her mother, a former softball player and biggest supporter, encouraged her to continue. 

And that same sport she fell in love with at eight years old, carried her through high school.

Then came her senior year when self-doubt began to fill her mind.

Would she play at the next level?

Could she play at the next level?

Yet what carried Emily through that time was faith.

And when the call arrived from Head Women’s Softball Coach Micaela Harris, she did what she knew best, put simply, she prayed. 

“I chose to play at CR because it felt right. I love the area, and my coach is amazing and after continued prayer and seeking the place to go, I knew this was the right path God wanted me to take.”

One of the many lessons Emily has learned through the pursuit of collegiate softball has been resilience, strength, and determination. “On hard days, I stay motivated by reminding myself that God put me here for a reason. I don’t want to waste the opportunity I’ve been given. I keep my long-term goals in mind and focus on giving my best effort each day, even when things are challenging. I also remind myself that growth comes from pushing through difficult moments and staying consistent.”

Being a student athlete at the collegiate level requires balance to be successful at both.

“Balancing academics and athletics can be challenging because both require consistent focus and effort. There are days when training is demanding, but staying disciplined with my schedule helps me succeed in both areas.”

When asked about pre-game rituals and traditions, Emily said she prays before each game with a group of teammates, but her personal favorite is to shotgun an energy drink. And we can’t forget about the persona handshakes each of them has together.

But what pushes Emily to be better on the field are her teammates and coaches? 

Accountability. 

“My coaches and teammates push me to be better by holding me accountable. My coaches are always on me in a positive way and can tell when I’m not giving my best effort. They know how to challenge me and let me know when I need to lock in and raise my level. My teammates also push me every day by competing with me and encouraging me to improve, which helps bring out my best.”

When asked what’s next for Emily after CR, she said, “I’m not entirely sure yet but I either see myself playing at a 4 year somewhere (no idea where yet) or joining the police academy to start my career.”

If there’s any advice Emily can offer to new incoming student athletes, it’s this:

“I would tell incoming student-athletes to stay organized and manage their time wisely, because balancing school, practices, games, and personal life can be challenging. Communicate openly with your coaches and teachers so they know when you need support. Take care of your body and mental health by resting, eating well, and speaking 

up when you’re overwhelmed. Most importantly, have fun and don’t be too hard on yourself it really is just a game, and mistakes are part of learning and improving. Trust your abilities in all that you do, believe in the work you’ve put in, and remember why you started playing in the first place.”

And when Emily moves on from CR and on to her next destination she wants to be remembered as someone who worked hard. A light on the field. Someone who encouraged others. Led by example. And most importantly, whose actions reflected her faith so that people could see God working in her life, both on and off the field.

One thing is for certain, Emily is a light and she’s just getting started.