Victory-driven athlete Haruna Sakamoto shares her perspective: Every match, every triumph adds up. The satisfaction of coming out on top. [Athlete Perspectives]
In the world of women's softball, Haruna Sakamoto, a 31-year-old infielder for the Toyota team, is a name that commands respect. Known for her calm demeanour and sharp judgement, Sakamoto is an essential player in crucial matches, particularly in the finals.
Sakamoto's journey in softball began in her fourth year of elementary school, when she joined a boys youth baseball team in her home region. Her talent was undeniable, and she continued to play baseball through junior high school, even though it meant being part of a boys team and not always getting to play in official games.
Her first stint as a professional player was with Toda Chuo General Hospital in Saitama Prefecture, where she spent three years. Despite the team's inability to secure a victory, Sakamoto's potential was evident, and she even experienced the high-pressure situations of a first-league/second-league promotion/demotion series.
A turning point in Sakamoto's career came in 2008, when she transferred to Toyota, a move triggered by Itsushi Fukuda, the general manager at the time. This move proved to be a significant step forward, as Sakamoto went on to make the national softball team for eight consecutive years from 2009, even serving as captain in 2016.
During the off-seasons in 2013 and 2015, Sakamoto ventured to the professional league in the United States for training. Natasha Watley, a top-ranked player who had made the United States national team and earned a gold in the Olympic Games, was a driving force for the team. Sakamoto was able to communicate effectively with Watley, who spoke in English, thanks to Sakamoto's English conversation lessons in elementary school.
Outside of playing, Sakamoto is known for her natural cheeriness and humour, often creating a positive atmosphere for the team. Described as a Kansai comedian, mischievous, more shy than she looks, and a person who always needs company, Sakamoto's personality is a welcome contrast to the intense nature of the game.
This year, Sakamoto relinquished her post as captain to No. 10 Haruna Furusawa, with the general manager wanting Sakamoto to share her experience with younger team members. Sakamoto understands her own role and wants younger players to approach her more aggressively, seeing them as her potential rivals.
Sakamoto's greatest strength as a player is her ability to use losing or failures as energy for moving on to the next stage. For her, these setbacks are not obstacles but rather a form of energy that propels her forward. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, including getting technique down before league games start and studying opponents before practice.
In her professional life, Sakamoto works in Toyota Motor Corporation's Production Control Division. Her dedication to performing well in the professional world is evident, as she understands that even if you're a super athlete, if your condition is not right, you can get cut.
In conclusion, Haruna Sakamoto is a testament to resilience and determination in the world of softball. Her calm demeanour, natural charm, and unwavering dedication make her a beloved figure on and off the field.
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