As the spring sports are coming down to the playoffs, graduation is near and senior infielder Brooke Beleza is making every swing count in her final year with the Utica University softball team. 

A transfer from Jefferson Community College, Brooke has quickly become one of the biggest pieces in the Pioneers’ lineup. Originally from Ontario, Canada, she’s brought over great production, having a great ride in her last collegiate season. She’s currently the team leader with an impressive .483 batting average with a team high 42 hits in just 24 games. 

Despite a crazy stretch of 18 games in 15 days, Beleza has stayed focused. 

“It’s really just a mental aspect here,” she said. “Getting all your work done, staying healthy — we’ve all been pushed to take care of ourselves, go to the trainers, and just be smart.” 

That mindset has powered her to the best season of her college career. She’s also been riding a streak of getting a hit in 22 of the 24 games she’s started, bringing consistency to the top of the lineup and leading an offense that has faced disruption from weather-related postponements and schedule changes. This comes after a long, hard-working offseason. After working on her mechanics with Coach Rinae Olsen, Beleza has transformed from a free-swinger into a strategic threat with a refined approach. 

“I used to be a first-pitch swing kind of hitter,” she said. “But I’ve learned to stay back and find the pitches that are mine. I’ve been more patient, and I think that’s made a big difference.” 

After transferring in her junior year, Beleza earned a reputation for making the most of her opportunities — even if she wasn’t starting every game. 

“It was definitely hard going from being a starter at my past school to not starting every game,” she said. “But I knew that any opportunity I got, I had to go for it and ball out.” 

Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed though, as Beleza was named Pioneer Athlete of the Week in March, a well-earned recognition for her standout performances during a stretch of the season. But stats alone don’t capture her full impact on the Pioneers. As one of the team’s seniors, she’s embraced her leadership role, guiding younger teammates and setting an example both on and off the field.

For Beleza, this season isn’t just about final scores—it’s about finishing strong, honoring her journey, and leaving a mark. 

“I’m just going with the mindset that this is my last year and I know I’m gonna miss it as soon as that last game comes,” Beleza said. “So I’m trying to stay as positive as I can with everyone, helping the way I can.I’m just grateful for every moment I get to be out there with my teammates. It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.” 

As Utica pushes for a return to the Empire 8 championships, Beleza is determined to end her career on a high note — and not just because she’ll be in town until graduation. 

“I’m here until May 9th anyway, so we might as well make playoffs,” she joked. “But seriously, I think we have a really good chance. We’ve been playing well, and I’d love to get back to that same atmosphere we had last year.”