Hard work and dedication are the only things one first-year Moorpark College student knows.

Sierra Huerta, 18, is far from average. This Moorpark College athlete plays softball, track and field, and works at a ranch as a caretaker for horses seven days a week, all while attending school full time.

“A big part of it was finding something within myself, just being able to push my body to the limits mentally and emotionally,” said Huerta. “It was me proving it to myself that I could do it and that I could do well in both.”

She manages jam-packed days with classes, two sports, work twice a day, and she makes an effort to teach herself to play the violin in her spare time.

“On a typical day, it would be work in the morning, then I would come to school and attend classes, then I would have track practice, then softball practice and then I go back to work, go home and do homework,” said Huerta.

Huerta grew up in Fillmore with her family members who have played a huge role in her busy life. She has a twin-sister, older brother and her parents who have supported her through her entire life and continue to encourage her today.

“My mom has been there through everything she has made it to every softball game and every track meet,” said Huerta. “The rest of my family always tries to make it to my events whenever they can as well.”

She began playing softball at the age of four, and has made it her mission to play and be involved with the sport for as long as possible. Huerta is currently majoring in kinesiology, a field she has always been interested in, and she hopes to become either an athletic trainer or a softball coach.

Huerta gives credit to Jeff Kreil, kinesiology instructor at Moorpark College, for motivating her and encouraging her to succeed both academically as well as athletically.

“One of Sierra’s strengths is that she is not afraid to try something difficult, she is a good example to her generation,” said Kreil. “Perhaps Sierra could be more willing to say ‘No’. She loves challenges, but it may eventually cause her to be over-committed.”

Huerta hopes to continue her education at Moorpark College with hopes of transferring to a four-year university somewhere with a rural feel and to continue playing sports.

Throughout the years, she has put in tremendous effort to succeed, but this has not happened without its ups and downs with the sport. Despite this, her true passion and love for it remains.

“When I was 14, I played travel softball but I got burnt out really fast,” said Huerta. “I was over softball, I wasn’t even originally going play this year I was just going to do track but then I went out and started working out and I realized that I love softball so I started playing again.”

Working hard has already started to pay off for Huerta. In 2016, her senior year of high school, the Ventura County Star named Sierra “All County” for both softball and track & field.

“It was quite an honor,” said her mother, Shelley Huerta. “The reporter at the Star was not aware of any athlete being selected for two sports in the same season.”

Huerta’s mentors believe she is a hard-working and driven individual who is able to accomplish all that she sets her mind to.

“One of her greatest strengths is her work ethic,” said Thomas Gesser, track & field throws coach. “It is what allows her to accomplish all of those daily tasks and still perform at a high level.”

Huerta has been able to play sports and spend her time doing things she is passionate about due to the support of her family, coaches and instructors.

“The future? The sky is the limit for Sierra,” said Shelley Huerta. “I have always believed that Sierra will be fine wherever life takes her. Come what may, she will make the most of it.”