For Brittany Bangert, the catcher and captain for the Mustangs softball team, playing sports at Los Medanos College is a family affair and she is not the only Bangert to don the cardinal and gold of LMC. 

Her two brothers played baseball and football at Los Medanos. Just like her, Bangert’s mom was on the softball team.

“My family really supports me playing college ball”, she said adding that she plans to continue when she transfers next year.

Bangert is excited for the next step in her softball career. She was offered a scholarship to play for the University of Pikeville in Kentucky.

“I plan to commit,” she said.

Given the opportunity she has had at LMC it is no surprise she is moving on to the next level.

The practice and work she has put in so far this season has contributed to the team’s success, as she has a dominating batting average of .458 with 5 RBI’s (runs batted in) so far.

She knows that it’s not all about athletics. She will graduate with an A.S. in criminal justice and sociology, but she said, “ I am thinking of switching to nursing once I go to Pikeville.” 

Leaving LMC will be bittersweet for Bangert since Los Medanos is where she got her big opportunity to show off her skills and further her education.

“I have absolutely loved playing ball here. I have met some of my closest friends on this team, and have so many memories that will stick with me for the rest of my life,” she said.

The sophomore played volleyball and basketball at Clayton Valley High School, along with softball, but she said, “out of the three sports, softball has always been my home.”

Although playing college softball has always been a dream of hers, she has had to work hard to overcome challenges in the sport. 

“I get in my head a lot on the field. I’ve gotten a lot better at letting mistakes go and not stressing out about the what if’s of a game,” she said. “I just try to focus on what’s next and let all my practice take control when I’m out there.” 

That focus has turned her into one of the top softball players at LMC.

As the season marches forward, her last at LMC, she is excited about the team.

“We have a strong line-up this year with the potential to win league,” she said. “We’re just going to continue to keep working and let it all fall into place.”