Anissa Urtez is Ready to Jump on the First Pitch

Learn how Anissa Urte and her custom CF aim to keep the defense on their toes. 

Softball and #DeMariniNation are truly global, as represented by Mexico Shortstop Anissa “Niss” Urtez. As she prepares to head to Tokyo for the biggest stage of her career, she trusts her lifelong experiences that have prepared her for this moment.

“The most important thing for me with softball is growth," Urtez said. "You’re constantly growing and learning no matter what level you’re playing at. It’s a sport of failure, and you learn how to get better not only as an athlete, but as an individual.” 

From those lessons and years of preparation, Anissa plans to keep the opposing defenses busy with her aggressive mindset at the dish.

“I don’t swing and miss a lot, so the defense is always alert when I come to the plate," Urtez said. "As a top of the order hitter, I pride myself in getting on base and being smart and aggressive on the base paths.”

Anissa will be putting the pressure on the defense with her very own custom CF Fastpitch Bat that she designed just for this stage. Niss and her teammates expect to turn some heads in Tokyo, and she hopes her custom bat will do the same.

“I wanted to design a bat that represented my country and my culture," Urtez said. "I love how the red pops and stands out, and I want this bat to represent our team standing out in Tokyo.”

Niss also designed her bat to represent what matters most to her: her family.

“Family is a huge value for our team, and I represent my dad’s side of the family, who are Mexican.”

When Anissa designed her bat heading into the year, she decided to add her grandpa’s initials to the barrel to keep him with her at the plate. “My grandpa was everything to me. He passed away a year ago after battling Leukemia. When I see his initials it reminds me that he’s always in my heart and always with me.”

Anissa’s other inspiration heading into the games is her Grandmother, who passed away earlier this year.

“She was the strongest woman I knew, battling Dementia and diabetes until the end. I always remember that I’m so lucky to be her blood and play for her. I’m lucky to have two guardian angels watching over me!”

Niss hopes to turns some heads with her play when she takes the field with her Mexico teammates. As she heads to the games, she trusts that years of training have prepared her and her teammates to just live in the moment.

“My mantra is to be where your feet are," Urtez said. "The only time you have is now, so embrace where you’re at.”

Be sure to follow along Anissa on Instagram @nniiiss as she makes the journey to Tokyo for the biggest games of her career. Want to design a bat just like Anissa? Head over to DeMariniCustomBats.com.