Bob Tomaszewski
Contributing Writer
Q.You are a senior this year and have seen the team change a lot throughout the years.
What has been the biggest change over the years to the team?
A. Yes, I am of senior standing and have seen the team grow a lot throughout the years. The question “what has been the biggest change over the years to the team” is definitely a difficult one to answer. Of course, it’s obvious, the girls change over the years, but in a way everything is still the same. Each year, every woman enters another year of experience on the diamond from first-year to sophomore to junior and finally, senior standing. I guess I would say our experience and leadership levels change – always increasing in expectations; however, do not undermine the first-year players because they too are held up by high expectations. Every amazing, young lady has contributed to the tradition of our program – the tradition of family and success.
Q.The team is doing extremely well so far this season. As a pitcher you face a lot of pressure, how do you deal with that?
A. Yes, I would definitely agree that our team has been successful so far. As a pitcher, you can face I face pressure on the mound; however, I wouldn’t say it’s something that can’t be handled. Honestly, I don’t feel the pressure much. I have been playing softball my entire life and it’s still the same game I love to play. All four years, I’ve had an amazing team behind me. Since my freshman year, I have always had confidence thanks to my teammates – “7 behind you kiddo and 1 in front” is what I live by. A pitcher is nothing without her teammates. I mean, who is going to catch the ball? – add some humor for you.
Q. What are one or two things that you do in your training that contribute to your success?
A. Coach K always talks about the importance of preparation and it certainly contributing to success. A million things come to mind. I’m not sure where I would start. I’m going to quote Coach K quoting Coach John Wooden and go with “the cornerstones of the Pyramid of Success – industriousness and enthusiasm”.
At times we may lack, but without them we will fail. I would also add in our team philosophy H.I.T. – play hard, play intelligently, and play together. Our philosophy stems from our training just replace play with train.
