Personal Statement

My name is Emily Albanese.  I am currently a junior at Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, New York.  I am an athletic softball player and my primary position is pitcher for my school's varsity team.  For my travel team, the SC (Saratoga County) Hurricanes 18u, I pitch and also play second base and right field.  I am a well-rounded softball player and aside from having six pitches, I am also able to defend my position well, especially when it comes to the bunt defense.  What I love about being a pitcher is the sense that I have control over some part of the game.  I love the feeling of being able to contribute to the team's success, whether it be through pitching, hitting, defense, or simply cheering on my teammates.  I'm a coachable, selfless, team first athlete willing to do what is asked of me for the benefit of the team.  In August of 2016 I was the recipient of the 16UB USSSA National's Northeast Sportsmanship award voted on by the tournament's umpires, which is something I am especially proud of. 

My collegiate goal is to play softball at the highest level possible and I plan to do this by continuously working hard and improving in the off-season.  I am doing this through strength and conditioning training, along with pitching and hitting practices, 6 to 7 days a week.  I am able to do this while maintaining a full academic schedule, taking several honors courses along with a college course.   I always put 100% effort into both my academics and athletics.  Excelling in the classroom is equally as important as excelling on the field.  

Another important aspect of who I am is my faith, which keeps me grounded.   As in sports, I also look to continuously improve on who I am as a person.  As a result, I am involved in weekly small groups and youth group events.  I wouldn't be the person or player that I am without my faith.  I hope that wherever softball takes me, that I can make a positive impact on the people that I will encounter.