"Lead by example" is what Caitlin Richards does as Captain of the Teaneck High School varsity softball team.
"She gives it all she’s got, that’s what I love about her. She’s an example of what I preach to the team, go hard and give it everything you have," said Coach Rich Aponte.
This season Caitlin switched from playing centerfield to catcher. She played a few games at catcher last season in anticipation of making the transition. The change was initiated by Aponte and she was open to the suggestion, having played the position last season. The move has been a lot of fun for Caitlin, however, she always loved to play in the outfield.
Being behind the plate gives her more control over the game, noted Caitlin. Her offense has actually improved with the position switch. As a junior, Caitlin had a batting average of .397 and 31 RBI’s. Now, as a senior, she has an average of .514 and 12 RBI’s at the halfway point.
"I get a better view of the pitching strategy. I can anticipate what’s coming when I am batting. I think this year has been the best year for me offensively," Caitlin said.
Aponte has given her the nickname "Hurricane". "After a game it looks like she’s been through a hurricane, Aponte explained. She’s a tough girl, tough as nails," he said.
Her mother got her involved in a recreation league at the early age of 6 and she has been playing softball ever since. The experience of starting so young has paid off at the high school level. She made the varsity team as a sophomore, batting .289 and playing centerfield in her first season. She has progressed every season, making her senior year the best.
Caitlin believes playing high school sports is beneficial to preparing teenagers for adult life. "It builds character and teaches life skills. I love the family aspect of being on a team," she added.
She is also the co-captain on the girl’s varsity soccer team. She’s involved in the HEAL program, Help Each other Achieve Longevity. It is a girl’s mentoring group. She’s also a member of the Teaneck High School Class Cabinet and Peer Leadership Youth Group.
Caitlin considers herself an average student, getting A’s, B’s and a couple of C’s on her last report card. She is more of an above average student and has been accepted to Stony Brook University on Long Island. Caitlin admits she works hard to keep up her good grades. Even though she did not get a scholarship to Stony Brook, she plans to try out for softball as a walk on. "I want to have a part time job in college. I’ll have to see if I can balance a job, school work and softball," she said.
She believes her coach admires her open mindedness and values her opinion. Before moving her to catcher full time he asked her about making the change.
"She’s a great leader, she’s everything you can ask for in a leader. She’s competitive and inspirational, and that rubs off on the rest of the team. I could tell right away that she was going to be my captain. When things go wrong she’s the first one to calm everyone down. She will be a great coach some day," added Aponte.
No comments:
Post a Comment