Cheshire softball pitcher dominates despite vision loss
Cheshire softball is once again one of the teams to beat in Connecticut.
The Cheshire Rams are a perfect 13-0 this season, coming off a state title and led by senior pitcher, Jenica Matos.
Matos has been nearly unhittable in the circle, and her dominance is even more impressive given what she overcomes every time she takes the field. Matos has a rare, genetic eye disorder called Stargardt Disease, which has impacted her since she was 11 years old.
“There’s fatty deposits in the back of my eye that affect my central vision,” Matos explained. “I can’t drive like the majority of kids in my grade can. The ball is even hard to see.”
But that’s not stopping her.
Last season, Cheshire softball rode the right arm of Matos to the program’s first state title in nine years, and she’s even better in her senior season.
“Knowing it’s my last year, that’s really been motivating me to do my best,” Matos said.
Pitching coach Kelly Hennessey said Matos is effective because of her power.
“Because of her spin, her strength – it doesn’t matter if it’s the first batter of the game or the ninth hitter, [Matos] just grinds,” Hennessey explained.
With the use of contrast, a neon glove against a black jacket, and a bright orange tape on the catchers’ gear, Matos is able to show what she’s capable of. In 77 innings pitched, Mators has yet to give up a single earned run. She’s struck out 186 batters and allowed only 14 hits.
“She makes you forget. She makes you forget about her disability with how she shows up every single day,” said Kristine Drust, Cheshire’s head coach.
With those visual aids and her teammates’ support, everyone can see Matos’ star shine.
“She doesn’t let it bother her,” said Molly Fleming, a senior and catcher on the team. “I think it all, like, really inspires the whole team just to see what she’s doing.”
Matos said the support means the world to her.
“They go out of their way to help me out. So, I mean, there’s nothing more that I can do but just help them in any way I possibly can,” Matos explained.
After the season is done, Matos will continue her playing career at St. John’s University on a full scholarship.
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