Player of the Week: Samantha Marucci

Samantha Marucci

Samantha Marucci

Samantha Marucci played her favorite sport the way it should be.

A tri-captain of the Lake Region varsity softball team this spring, Sam brought endless energy, a strong work ethic and a relentless drive to improve her game — both as a new starting second baseman and at the plate.

Her overall play was one of the keys that helped the Lakers rebound from a 0-16 season a year ago to a 9-8 mark and playoff appearance this spring.

“From Day 1, Samantha was driven to be the best player she could possibly be. She showed her athletic versatility, once again changing positions. She worked hard every day on her fundamentals. At times, she was her own worst critic, but she learned how to let mistakes go and be ready to make the next play. I saw a tremendous growth in her confidence level, which translated in consistent play,” said Laker Head Coach Wayne Rivet. “She was one of our most improved players offensively, hitting over .300 and delivering some key hits, including a two-out, two-run single in our playoff game.”

Best of all, Coach Rivet added, was Sam’s upbeat attitude that she brought each and every day.

“Sam’s a talented athlete, but she is even a better person. She cared about her teammates; she put the team first; she kept the team organized; and she could always been seen smiling,” the coach said. “You never had to ask her to help with the equipment or take care of something. She just did it. We will certainly miss her next season.”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Samantha is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Marucci file

Name: Samantha Marucci

Year in School: Senior

Town: Naples

Parents: Peter and Debora Marucci

Sports you play: Field Hockey, Alpine Ski Team and Softball

School organizations: National Technical Honor Society, Varsity Club and National Honor Society

School Honors: Masons Student of the Month 2013

Q. Best piece of advice you have received? SM. The best piece of advice that I have received is to not let my emotions overcome my game. Having a short memory and shaking off an error has been the hardest thing for me to do. I finally was able to overcome this in softball this year. Coach Rivet always told me to settle down. By settling down, letting my nerves go away and having fun I made less errors. It was much for fun to shake it off, than to be frustrated. I play softball because I love the game. It’s a game of confidence, which I gained over the season.

Q. Who is your biggest fan? SM. My biggest fans are my parents. They have supported me in every sport I play and everything I do. I couldn’t have been the athlete that I am today without them.

Q. I know I have had a good sports day when… SM. I think the most rewarding days are when we are successful as a team. The days that we had big games, we were only successful because we had a team effort. Some of my favorite memories were coming back as a team late in the game to overcome the teams we were facing.

Q. What is your favorite sport? SM. Softball.

Q. If I could change one thing about myself as an athlete, I would change… SM. I would not be as shy. I was always a quiet person on and off the field. After I was elected captain (for the softball team), I tried to be a great leader and be louder on the field.

Q. What qualities make for a good teammate and who do you consider a good teammate? SM. I think a well-rounded teammate should be dedicated, genuine and want to be a team player. I think the older girls should be role models for the younger ones. Softball is a team sport. I think that we have a lot of great teammates on our team.

Q. What do you believe you bring to your team? SM. I believe that I bring a positive attitude to the team. I think that each and every one of us brings a piece to this team to make it a whole.

Q. What characteristics do you feel make for a good coach? SM. A good coach should have high expectations and reachable goals. They should be tough, but allow us to have fun. A good coach should tell us how it is, applaud us for good plays and help us fix the bad plays.

 

 

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