Although only a sophomore, Montverde Academy softball shortstop Luna Taboas is a rising star in the softball world.  As a freshman, she started at shortstop for a team that went to the state semifinals in class 3A.  Not only did she start, she was one of the team’s statistical leaders in several categories.  She was second on the team in batting average and on base percentage with averages of .549 and .573 respectively.  She led the team with 40 runs scored and was also second in hits with 50 and second in stolen bases with 26.  Keep in mind that Montverde Academy only played 30 games and went 23-7.  These are staggering numbers for a freshman playing against stiff competition in a 30 game season.  

Fast forward to the 2024 season and she has picked up right where she left off last season.  She’s currently hitting .565 with a .575 on base percentage.  She is the team leader in hits(39), stolen bases(29) and is second in runs scored(27) and slugging percentage(.637).   Her team is currently 21-4 and poised for a deep postseason run in class 3A.  As evidenced by her numbers, Luna is a menace on the basepaths.  A lefty slap hitter by trade, she has been clocked as fast as 2.8 seconds from home to first base.  This speed makes her an extremely difficult out for any opponent Montverde plays.  

As if her high school season wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Luna recently was chosen as a member of the 18U Puerto Rico National Team.  Her team recently competed in the 18U Pan American games in Monteria, Colombia and Luna put on a magnificent display of her talents.  Her team took gold in the event held from March 30-April 6 and they will now compete for the World Baseball Softball Confederation Cup in Pingtan, China in August.  Oh, did I fail to mention that Luna was one of the youngest competitors in the 18U Pan American games?  At age 16, she led her Puerto Rico National team in batting average(.556), hits(15), runs(12) and triples(2).  

As for her immediate future and goals, Luna stated, “my goal is to be top in my class and win state the rest of the years I have left in high school.”  When asked what her biggest softball accomplishment so far was, Luna said “definitely being part of the 18U Puerto Rican National team which won gold in the Pan American games recently.”  With so much success in her young career, Luna stated that there’s always room for improvement and said that one of her weaknesses she needs to work on is rushing to make plays and throws to first base.  When asked about her future softball goals, Luna said “my goal is to play division one softball and that’s always been my goal.”  Division one coaches can begin contacting players on September 1st of their junior year in high school, so expect Luna’s phone line to be as busy as the base paths she runs during the season.  Until then, she’ll be trying to lead her Montverde Academy Softball team to a state championship in May. 

Photos Provided By – The Official Athletics Site of Montverde Academy