APOPKA, Fla. — Jesi Mora has loved the spirit of competition for as long as she can remember. 

“I like being challenged on and off the field, and I also just love playing with the teammates that I’ve built relationships with over like the past 14 years I’ve been playing,” said Mora, a senior softball player at Apopka High School. “It’s just one thing that’s an outlet for everything I do in my life.”

The four-year varsity starter at Apopka helped her team reach the biggest stage her first year. 

“Going to State my freshman year was probably the most memorable moment of my life,” Mora said. 

And now that Mora’s a senior, she embraces being a leader. 

“For advice, if they need help with something or they have questions or need help, it just feels good that knowing people can come to you because they look up to you so much,” Mora explained. 

The leadoff batter also leads by example. She’s No. 10 in the nation in stolen bases.

“I was kind of just doing what I feel confident in doing, which is running,” Mora said. “I get it from my dad a lot.”

The shortstop’s .667 batting average caught the eye of many colleges, but Mora chose to sign with FAU. 

“I’m not the person who likes big schools, so when I went there, it was a small community, everyone was very welcoming to me, and when I just stepped on the campus, it just felt like home to me,” Mora said. “Plus, my sister is going to be down there with me.” 

Mora’s close with her family and her friends, like teammate Aubrey Evans. The pair played on the same team when they were 7 and have been together as Blue Darters since their freshman year. 

“We keep each other accountable and we can have fun off the field but both of us, when we’re on the field, I think you do a great job being a leader,” senior Aubrey Evans said. “It’s been fun doing the four years with you, and I wouldn’t trade this friendship for anything.”

“It’s sad we’re going our separate ways because I really don’t want it to end,” Mora said. “I feel like I won’t ever have the same connection with someone as I had with you.” 

And Mora got reflective and serious when talking about what she hopes to accomplish on this final trip around the bases. 

“Yes, I hope we make it to State, but at the end of the day, I know that it’s all in God’s plan,” Mora said. “But I also hope this last year, I’m able to set all my records that I’ve had the last few years higher than ever, to leave something here.”