Isabel Siciliano '19 Recruiting Profile

Hi. My name is Isabel Siciliano. I love many things in life, but the top two are my friends / family and softball. I first picked up a softball when I was eight. I played recreational ball at that time but ended up withdrawing from sports and all social activities because I was bullied in school by many girls who I used to call friends. Both my parents were strong athletes so they encouraged me to get back to a sport where I showed real potential. I returned to rec ball and began playing travel select by age 12. At that time, I didn’t realize the value of playing sports (besides they’re fun) but have since learned so many things that I know will help me on and off the field. A first hard lesson I learned after being cut from my first travel team is: life is not always fair. I was batting over .400 and was a strong catcher but by 12 I wanted to learn to pitch, and a few players and their families did NOT want to see me make that transition so I was let go. I found another team the following year but found the team dynamic was not positive, so my parents helped me find a team where they needed a strong bat and had room for a developing pitcher. I found a home with CT Shoreline Sting and have returned for a fourth season as #1 pitcher. I’ve transformed from a shy girl on the outskirts, to a strong leader of any team I play on. A few more lessons I picked up along the way: a team cannot thrive and perform well with poor team dynamics and you can grow tremendously when hard work and dedication is matched with opportunity and a coach who truly believes in you. I believe these experiences have engrained in me several traits. Never lose your love for the game. Don’t let parents or unsupportive coaches steal your passion. I understand what it’s like to be the outsider so I make every effort to ensure any girl in my dugout is part of the team and has words of encouragement when needed. I squash negative talk and actions whenever I can. I also know you cannot cheat the repetition of practice, truly working on your skills over and over, until you reach a breakthrough. I know not every coach has the same methods, so I trust that whatever they give me, there’s something to gain. I understand there’s always something to work on, something to be improved.

What makes me unique besides being a lefty pitcher who bats right and can clear the fences? I can effectively pitch, play first AND can stop anything from behind the plate. In 2015 my travel team would have me pitch two games and catch one - EVERY Saturday. In 2016 we picked up a few catchers so I mainly focused on pitching and continue to do so despite being able to throw down to 2nd in 1.71 seconds!

As for academics – I struggled in my first year of High School. Middle School did little to prepare me for High School. I also had all my core classes on one day in a two-day rotational schedule, which made the transition even harder. By my sophomore year I figured out good study habits, the importance of careful time management, and I reduced some of the demands on my schedule so school could be top priority and I could still compete in sports. I have been on the honor roll ever since.

What do I want in college? I want to become a certified teacher in an environment that welcomes diversity, as well as play four years on a team that will have me. Ever since I was very young I knew I wanted to teach. I just completed an AP course in Human Development (U-CONN sponsored) and was able to intern in the grade school I attended. The teacher found the fourth graders exhausting so she granted me the privilege of leading the class by myself. Although the hour was mainly focused on math, I was occasionally asked to give the kids a breather, so I gave a few lessons in Spanish as well! Not only did I love the experience, it helped me realize I’m most likely going to focus on Elementary Education with a possible minor in Psychology. Through my successful experience I was selected to be an ambassador for my high school to help other students explore and sign up for AP classes affiliated with U-CONN.

I also spent the past couple of off seasons assisting CT Shoreline Sting with coaching the younger girls. This winter I led the 12U team’s pitcher’s and catcher’s training. I loved it and know someday I hope to coach as well.

So why tell you all this? I will work hard as a student so I can get a good degree to head out into a tough job market. I will be a strong addition to your roster and will work diligently to become a vital contributor to your team. I will be a positive force both on and off the field. I want to play all four years. And in the end…I want to learn, play and have FUN in the process!