Coupeville Sports

Tamika Nastali

Tamika Nastali enjoyed the ride, every step of the way.

A key contributor to the Central Whidbey Little League Juniors All-Star softball squad that just wrapped an impressive 18-2 season (including 17 wins by 10 or more runs), Nastali came away with her love of the game reinforced.

“It was pretty awesome to go undefeated during the regular season and during districts and to win a game at the state championships,” she said. “I plan to play along with the rest of my team throughout high school and represent my town.”

Nastali, who will be an 8th grader at Coupeville Middle School in the fall, first ventured onto the softball diamond five seasons ago.

“I started playing because I saw my twin sister play, and it looked fun,” she said.

A multi-sport athlete (she also plays track and volleyball), Nastali is proud of her small ball game, but wouldn’t mind adding a little pop to her offense.

“What I enjoy most is the feeling when I hit and catch the ball,” Nastali said. “My strengths are probably bunting and getting RBIs, but I’d like to work on stronger and harder hits.”

Away from the diamond, she enjoys “reading, watching criminal case shows and listening to pop/country music.”

She credits her current softball coaches with the CWLL Venom for playing a key role in her development as a promising young athlete.

“My coaches, Kevin McGranahan and Ron Wright, have impacted me because they’ve encouraged me to keep playing,” Nastali said.