Athlete of the Year: Amanda Shevchuk
By Paul Williams
Last Updated:4:14 PM EST 4/21/09 Section: Sports
Even as a young girl, Amanda Shevchuk held herself to a high standard.
At the age of 10, she had her own pitching coach and just a few years later helped her little league team reach the World Series. Now, Shevchuk has met that standard yet again as Courier's 2009 Athlete of the Year.
But despite the individual accolades, Shevchuk has always been quick to pass the spotlight on to her teammates.
"I love the team aspect of it. I can't do it by myself," she said. "I love the relationships that I have gotten through softball. I always say they are 18 of my best friends."
The journey that saw Shevchuk develop into the pitcher that leads the Cardinals in wins, saves and innings pitched began when she was just eight years old. Ironically, pitching did not come easily at first.
"When I started pitching I was horrible," Shevchuk said. "It was really bad. We would be lined up in a gym and three catchers down would be catching my pitches."
But Shevchuk persevered and transformed into an intimidating pitcher. That perseverance is something that has been evident during her time at Fisher.
Shevchuk was largely responsible for the Cardinals' NCAA run last year. After Melissa Blakeney injured her back, it was on Shevchuk to help carry Fisher to the Tournament. She recorded four complete game wins and was named the MVP of the tournament.
"We just jumped on her back and she got it done," softball head coach Len Maiorani said. "Once we got closer and closer to the prize, she was not going to let it get away from us."
Shevchuk still counts that last out against Ithaca as the highlight of her career and gets emotional whenever she thinks about that game.
"Still to this day I can picture the very last pitch I threw," she said. "It will bring tears to my eyes and goosebumps on my arms."
Shevchuk knows that moment wouldn't have been possible without countless hours of hard work and dedication. In addition to working tirelessly on her pitching, she has also learned to eat healthier by limiting the soda and greasy food.
At the age of 10, she had her own pitching coach and just a few years later helped her little league team reach the World Series. Now, Shevchuk has met that standard yet again as Courier's 2009 Athlete of the Year.
But despite the individual accolades, Shevchuk has always been quick to pass the spotlight on to her teammates.
"I love the team aspect of it. I can't do it by myself," she said. "I love the relationships that I have gotten through softball. I always say they are 18 of my best friends."
The journey that saw Shevchuk develop into the pitcher that leads the Cardinals in wins, saves and innings pitched began when she was just eight years old. Ironically, pitching did not come easily at first.
"When I started pitching I was horrible," Shevchuk said. "It was really bad. We would be lined up in a gym and three catchers down would be catching my pitches."
But Shevchuk persevered and transformed into an intimidating pitcher. That perseverance is something that has been evident during her time at Fisher.
Shevchuk was largely responsible for the Cardinals' NCAA run last year. After Melissa Blakeney injured her back, it was on Shevchuk to help carry Fisher to the Tournament. She recorded four complete game wins and was named the MVP of the tournament.
"We just jumped on her back and she got it done," softball head coach Len Maiorani said. "Once we got closer and closer to the prize, she was not going to let it get away from us."
Shevchuk still counts that last out against Ithaca as the highlight of her career and gets emotional whenever she thinks about that game.
"Still to this day I can picture the very last pitch I threw," she said. "It will bring tears to my eyes and goosebumps on my arms."
Shevchuk knows that moment wouldn't have been possible without countless hours of hard work and dedication. In addition to working tirelessly on her pitching, she has also learned to eat healthier by limiting the soda and greasy food.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
William Upham
posted 5/11/09 @ 12:57 PM EST
Way to Go, Amanda !!!!!!!!
Love ya,
Uncle Bill
Warwick Movers
posted 8/18/09 @ 2:37 PM EST
Great job, Amanda, this is a great accomplishment!
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