When Jenica Matos looks at the batter from the pitcher’s circle, what she sees is different from any other softball pitcher in the country.

The batter standing 43 feet away does not appear clearly defined to Matos. Instead, she sees a blur of shapes and colors. To compensate, she focuses on the contrasting colors of her catcher’s chest protector and glove, then glances at her coach for the pitch before beginning her pitching motion.

Jenica Matos is legally blind.

But that hasn’t stopped her from becoming one of the best pitchers in the nation.

The Diagnosis

Everything seemed normal until age 10, when she noticed the softball was becoming blurry during games. After seeing specialists and undergoing a myriad of tests, she was diagnosed with Stargardt disease. This rare, inherited eye disorder causes progressive central vision loss in children and young adults.

Despite her diagnosis, she continued to adapt on the softball field and remain in the game. From having her catcher use contrasting gear to exploring new technologies, such as smartwatches that let her receive calls from her coach, she continues to pitch at an extremely high level.

The Ace

This season, she ranked second in the nation in earned run average with a 0.6 ERA and ended her senior season with a 27–0 record and a state championship. In her final game as a high school player, she had a 12-inning, 26-strikeout outing, helping her team win its second consecutive state championship.

After a stellar high school career, Matos will take her talents to New York City, where she will play for St. John’s University.

Although her diagnosis may initially grab headlines, Matos is determined to be known for much more.

Even though I have an eye disease, it doesn’t really shape who I am as a player and a person,” she told reporters. “It’s my talent and how hard I work. I don’t get anything given to me because I have an eye disease. I actually work for it, and I love doing what I do, even if it’s hard most of the time.”

Matos reminds us that whatever we are battling in life, it doesn’t have to define us. We can adapt, we can overcome, and we can thrive.

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