Luna Taboas

Montverde Academy shortstop Luna Taboas is more than a dominant force on the softball field; she’s a leader and role model who’s proud of her Puerto Rican and Argentinian roots. 

Batting an incredible .605 over her career, the University of Georgia commit has built a reputation as one of the top prep players in the nation. 

Her journey started at age 6 with a glove, a bat, and her father. 

“My dad used to play baseball, and one day I told him I wanted to try softball. He looked at me like I was crazy,” she says, laughing. “I picked up the bat and stood on the left side — I’m a natural righty — and hit. He said, ‘Are you sure you feel comfortable doing that?’ And I said, ‘Yes it feels right.’ From then on, I was a switch hitter for seven years before staying lefty.” 

Luna’s father, Javier Taboas, remains her biggest inspiration. A former middle infielder himself, he taught Luna the fundamentals — footwork, focus and mental strength — which led her to fall in love with playing shortstop. 

“People say I’m his replica. He’s always there for me, always lifting me up and putting in extra work with me, even on Sundays,” she says. “Being at shortstop means I’m always in the game, and I get to be a leader on the field.” 

Her leadership shines brightly. Luna has grown both as an athlete and student. 

“Montverde is like a family. Everyone knows each other’s names. It’s taught me how to connect with people, to be respectful and to grow as a leader,” she says. “I’ve learned to take constructive criticism from my coaches, and now I’m captain of the team.”

Her mental approach at the plate is as sharp as her numerous skills. 

“When I’m in the box, I think, ‘I’m better than this pitcher.’ Softball is mostly mental,” Luna says. “I have a ‘Yes, Yes’ mentality — if it’s a strike, I’m swinging. If it’s a ball, I watch it. I play aggressively and with confidence.” 

Luna isn’t just making noise in the U.S.; she’s already made a name for herself on the international stage, proudly representing Puerto Rico in the Pan American Games. She also had the chance to play in China with team Puerto Rico.  

“Playing for Puerto Rico is one of my favorite things I’ve ever done,” she says. “I want to play in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles California — that’s 100 percent a goal of mine.” 

Her cultural pride shines at Montverde’s annual Diversity Camp. 

“I remember going and bringing food from my Puerto Rican and Argentinian background,” she says. “Everyone else also brought food from all over the world from different backgrounds. That experience brought everyone together. It was beautiful.” 

Luna’s next chapter is only just beginning. She’ll take her talents to the University of Georgia, where she also plans to study psychology and work toward her dream of helping others as a bilingual psychologist.

“Georgia always made me feel seen. They were watching me at my games, and when I visited, it just felt like home,” she says. “I looked for red flags, and there weren’t any. The coaches, the environment, the new facilities — everything was amazing.” 

Away from the diamond, Luna balances her 4.2 GPA with a packed schedule that includes FCA, Pickleball Club, and time with her church community. Luna also loves watching movies and volunteering with senior citizens — especially those who suffer from Alzheimer’s like her grandfather. 

Her favorite athlete is MLB player and Montverde Academy graduate Francisco Lindor. “He never shows emotion on the field and is very intense. He also gives back. That’s how I want to be — stay steady and never let your attitude bring your teammates down,” she says. “I have always admired him for everything he does, for not only the school, but the community.” With a gift of over $1 million from his MLB salary, Lindor helped bring Lindor Hall to life at Montverde Academy — a powerful symbol of his passion for education and giving back and a constant source of inspiration for Luna.

The youngest of four siblings, Luna also draws inspiration from family, especially older sister Martha Taboas, who played soccer for the Puerto Rico women’s national team. “She was a huge reason I had such a drive to do sports. That goes for all my family members. I feel like they set me up for the success I am having,” Luna says.  

Montverde Academy Sports Information Manager Michael Damon says, “Luna is an unbelievable person. The thing about her is, while she’s great on the softball field, she’s just as amazing a person off the field. She’s respectful, kind and professional—just an all-around great person.” 

And Luna’s advice to younger girls dreaming of playing at her level? 

“Never let your mindset ruin your game. Play like it’s your last moment. Stay positive, be grateful and never take it for granted. Sports can be taken away from you at any time due to a variety of things. Be the teammate others look up to. That is what I strive for every day.” 

Photos: Montverde Academy Staff Photographer Kimberly Braden and University of Georgia Softball