NCSA caught up with rising softball star, Judy Betz about her high school career and the opportunity to compete at the college level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game? What’s your pre-game ritual(s)?
Betz: Before the big game I always try to remember the reason I love the game and why I practice so much and use that energy to emotion in my play. I also think of the movies “Remember the Titans” and “The Miracle,” as they are inspiring to me. One ritual that my team always does before any game is a cheer that reminds us to work together to win the game.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play on a collegiate level?
Betz: In college I am looking forward to meeting new people, being in a new place and most of all, new challenges. I want to test my skills, not only athletically but socially and academically as well.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in the sports you played in?
Betz: When I was young, I experimented with many sports and activities. When I tried softball I had fun and I feel in love with the game.
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Betz: So far I have made few connections with college coaches. However, I have had the opportunity to call them, meet with them at their school and e-mail them. I look forward to making greater interactions in the future and continue relationships already made.
NCSA: How are your team(s) doing so far?
Betz: My club team, the Ashburn Shooting Stars Gold 18u, has an excellent tournament schedule. The team travels to the tournaments that show us players off the best and get us closer to the college coaches. We have been competitive in these tournaments all summer. From these experiences I have learned what is required of me to play at the college level. In between summer and fall work will be done to get me that step closer to playing in college.
NCSA: What are your goals – athletically, academically and in your community – for the rest of the school year?
Betz: I have set goals for myself this year in three areas: academics, athletics and community service. My academic goals are to get a decent SAT/ACT score and to keep up my GPA. My athletic goals are to perfect my pitching by working on my movement increasing my speed, and if possible, becoming a more powerful hitter. In the community I want to stay involved and make time to help more.
