As she gears up for her final season, Leilani Garcia looks to have a bigger role both in the dugout and on the diamond in 2025.

Garcia has served as the Lady Rams’ everyday catcher for most of her career, and she is coming off back-to-back quality seasons.

Last season, Garcia batted .258 with 16 hits, 10 runs and four RBIs, which earned her a spot on the Region 4-AAAAAA Second Team.

Ahead of what will be her final season with the blue and white, Garcia has liked the progress this offseason.

“It has been great, I have seen mostly improvements with the team,” Garcia said. “We have seen some outstanding players that will carry us on next year as we graduate. I think overall, during this offseason, it is looking great and we are improving.”

Garcia was tabbed by head coach Erica Johnson as one of the team’s leaders going into 2025, and the upcoming senior has ran with the responsibility.

“[I am] really just making sure everyone is doing right,” Garcia said. “Making sure no one is arguing and everyone is a team and that they get strong together. Cheering on teammates and making sure we are doing good on the field and off the field.”

Individually, Garcia had specific areas of her game she wanted to address over the offseason.

Right from the end of last year, Garcia has put in the work to be better behind the plate.

“I definitely wanted to have [better] communication,” Garcia said. “That is one thing I struggled with in the past. During these practices I have been communicating and working on cutoffs and making my arm stronger in the weight room.”

Now as a leader for a young Lady Rams team, Garcia spoke of the team’s current culture.

“We are really funny,” Garcia said. “We like to joke around, especially on bus rides. In practice we always joke around and that is one thing I like. During softball it can get very serious, sometimes you just need that one player that can joke around but also be serious.”