By Ryan Massad, Contributing Writer
Team: Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School varsity softball
Coach: Mike O”Brien
Notable 2012 Stats: .593 Batting Average with 3 Home Runs and 33 RBI's
What are your earliest memories playing softball?
“I have played softball all my life, but the fondest memory is when I played Little League. My team would always call me the “big hitter” because I hit home runs. Little League was a lot of fun, and that's when I started to love the game more than any other sport.”
What other sports/hobbies do you participate in?
“Ever since I was about three or four years old, I have played softball, soccer and basketball. I love being an athlete. These sports are what keep me going. I'se been on the varsity soccer and softball team for three years, and varsity basketball for two. I love the intensity of these sports. Being in love with the game and being happy, that's all that matters to me.”
Which year has been the most special during your high school softball career, and why?
“High school is a special time, where you will never forget the special events that took place. The time has gone by so fast. In the blink of an eye, I's a senior.? The most memorable/special year during my high school career would be this year. Each year gets better and better, but this past year my team has done a phenomenal job, and has taken care of business with each team we played. We just poured our hearts and souls into the sport. We tried our absolute best, and made our coaches really proud. My team and I have made it so far. We won the league with an 18-1 record, won the vocational tournament, and we made it to the State semi-finals. I will always remember this year.”
Which coach has encouraged you the most to succeed?
“I'se had the best coaches on every team that I'se been on, but the coach that has encouraged me the most to succeed would be Chuck Lutz. Chuck was my first tournament softball coach. He coached me when I played for the Hudson Demolition. He had so much faith in me, and never doubted me for one second. He taught me so many things, most importantly to never give up on myself.”
Which teammate has encouraged you the most to succeed?
“The teammate that has encouraged me the most to succeed would be Brittney Lutz. Brittney is my best friend. We met in August of 2008 at a softball tryout for her father Chuck's team. She has stood by me every step of the way. I love her to death. Each time I get up to bat, she comes up to me and says “You have the best swing, now swing right through the ball, and hit a home run. You can do it.” She knows exactly what to say to me. She's a very loyal friend, and a very supportive teammate.
What has been one of the biggest obstacles you'se had to overcome in softball? Which improvements have been made in your game?
“My batting technique was a huge improvement in my game. I'se improved my stance, swing, and the way I hold the bat, my stance is wider. I don's drop my hands as much, and I hold the bat closer to my head. I have also learned to use my hips for power.”
Have you decided on a college yet? Would you like to play softball there?
“I's in the middle of the college search process. But, so far I's thinking of Springfield College, UMass-Amherst, UMass-Lowell, or the University of New England. Of course, every school that I apply to has to have softball.”
Who is your favorite NCAA softball team to watch?
“My favorite team to watch would have to be Alabama. Alabama is my dream team. I love the way they play softball. They play the sport with so much intensity and passion, and love every second of it. They never give up. They'se my role models, and I just love watching them play on television.”
What is your favorite class in school and why?
“History is my favorite class. Right now, I's in an honors geopolitics class with my favorite teacher; Frank Ferreer. He teaches me so much about politics, and I can relate to the topics. He teaches us the most recent history, and we usually have a class debate on what everybody thinks. His class is my favorite because it opens me up to the new events that happen every day.”