Getting to Know the Freshmen
12/8/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Dec. 8, 2011
Choosing to play softball for the Panthers was a no-brainer for Carissa Throckmorton. Despite the shortstop hailing from Hanover, Pa., about four hours from Pitt's campus, the team dynamic of the Panthers heavily outweighed the distance in influencing her decision to play softball for the University of Pittsburgh.
Throckmorton had a few other colleges in mind. However, once she made the visit to Pittsburgh, she knew Pitt was it.
"Pitt was the first campus I visited and I really liked it," said the freshman. "I knew I wanted to come here because I saw how the coaches interacted with the players. I've never seen another team relate to each other like that."
Unfortunately, Throckmorton did not get the chance to see any live softball games at Vartabedian Field prior to making her decision to play for the Panthers. Part of the new Petersen Sports Complex, the softball field officially opened in the spring of 2011. But when she moved to campus in August and saw where she would continue her softball career, she was pleasantly surprised.
"It is much nicer than other fields I've seen," Throckmorton admitted. "The outfield is all turf so you don't have bumps in the field from grass, and the infield is really nice. Another bonus is that the dugouts have heaters!"
One of eight freshmen on the 2012 Panthers softball squad, Throckmorton hopes to make a positive impact during her first season at Pitt, and she certainly has the potential to do so. As a freshman at South Western High School, she was named Rookie of the Year, team MVP and was selected as a member of the Gettysburg Times All-Area squad. With softball being a dominantly successful sport at her high school in the past, her various achievements did not go unnoticed.
"I was the first freshman in five years to make varsity." she shared, "Being named the MVP was a big deal."
Throughout her high school career, Throckmorton has proved to be an outstanding softball player. Her previous success could easily affect her transition into playing at the college level, but she does not allow herself to get caught up in expectations.
"I try not to let anything bother me," Throckmorton stated. "I think positively. If something negative does happen, I try to forget about it and move on."
Throckmorton has a strong support system in her teammates and coaches, whether she is seeking guidance on or off the field.
"If we need anything, the coaches and upperclassmen are always there to help. If we have a question, they always answer it," she added. This sense of community helped to finalize Throckmorton's decision to play softball for the Pittsburgh Panthers. It's a strong bond that she believes will have a heavy hand in the success of this tight-knit team of young student-athletes for seasons to come.