NCSA caught up with rising softball star Kelsey Newberg about her high school career and the opportunity to compete at the next level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game?
Newberg: Before a big game, or any game for that matter, I always pray on the mound before the first pitch. Also a big part of my pre-game is encouraging my teammates and making sure they’re mentally prepared for the game and are aware of their own strengths. In addition, during bus rides to practice and away games, I always try and listen to some music to get me “pumped up” before we reach the field.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play at the collegiate level?
Newberg: If I get the opportunity to play at the collegiate level, I am looking forward to meeting new people and really focusing on becoming the best I can be.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in softball?
Newberg: I got involved with sports because both my parents were tri-sports players and wished to give my sister and me all the wonderful character building opportunities you get by participating in team sports. I really admire my older sister. I’ve been like a little shadow to her lead. Throughout my athletic career, almost everything I’ve done is because she opened the door before me, and usually that’s the most difficult part. For instance, I would probably not be a pitcher today if my sister had not decided she wanted to be one.
NCSA: How is your team doing so far?
Newberg: My high school team is currently undefeated. A huge challenge for me this season as a junior is learning how to be a good captain. I made a hasty generalization before and thought that a captain only had to shake hands before the game, lead warm-ups and call everyone to let them know the carwash was still on. But as our young team becomes more successful and we’re getting deeper and deeper into our season, the emotional aspect is incredibly important. This is my first year in high school without my sister playing on the team with me, which has been a big change, but I find myself growing stronger with each game.
NCSA: What are your goals – athletically, academically and in your community – for the rest of the school year?
Newberg: Academically, I have just made it into the National Honor Society and as VP of the Society of Young Scholars (a pre-cursor to the NHS) I have been coordinating many educational field trips for the underclassmen this past winter. Athletically, I have been work on increasing my fastball speed and my other pitches spins. I worked on balancing out the strength and development on the left and right side of my body through Pilates.
In my community, I have been taking a Certified Nursing Assistant course at my high school and last night I had my last clinical day at a local nursing home in town. We have interned at two other facilities in town, both major hospitals, and I really love caring for neighborly faces and nursing is definitely something I want to pursue. For the summer, balancing a job as a CNA and also playing travel ball will be a challenge, but I look forward to how I will handle the time management.
