To those out there who one day might need a softball coach, remember
this name: Gina Sciarrone.
If there is anyone out there who embodies the talent, experience, and
most of all enthusiasm of what it takes to promote the sport of softball,
Sciarrone is that person.
But first things first. Sciarrone is still only a junior in high school.
And largely because of that, St. Hubert’s High School is a bona
fide contender to dethrone mighty Conwell-Egan as the queen of Catholic
League softball.
But again, first things first.
“There is no question that’s our goal,” said Sciarrone,
a graduate of St. Dominic’s parochial school who started playing
softball when she was 3 years old. “Still, we know we can’t
get ahead of ourselves.”
Sciarrone admitted that it was difficult for her and her teammates to
contain their excitement earlier this month when the Bambies made school
history by becoming the first team to go into Conwell-Egan and emerge
with a victory.
The Bambies’ 9-2 decision included a stunning 5-0 lead in the
first inning.
“What I like most about our team is that regardless of the score,
we keep playing hard,” said Sciarrone. “It’s about
getting better and better.”
As a case in point, the Bambies recently lost a non-league decision
to Sussex Central. An extraordinary team from Southern Delaware, Sussex
Central’s standout pitcher did not allow a run, quite an accomplishment
against a lineup that includes five members of the Philadelphia Spirits’
club softball juggernaut, which sports some of the most talented softball
players in the area.
Rather than return to the bus disheartened, Sciarrone said the Bambies
realized that the game was quite worthwhile, something that coach Dave
Schafer reminded them about when he addressed the team.
“We learned a lot,” said Sciarrone. “Every game is
different, and every game gives you a chance to learn something and
take it to the next game.”
While Sciarrone’s approach to softball seems to be all-business,
that’s not really accurate. She enjoys the lighter moments at
practice and deeply appreciates Hubert’s coaching staff’s
ability to have fun while not losing their passion for excellence.
However, last summer, Sciarrone’s life didn’t include much
levity. Playing at a softball clinic on June 19, Sciarrone tore most
of the ligaments in her right knee and saw a promising softball career
turn into a possible nightmare. Ironically, a similar injury had befallen
her sister Maria’s career when she was at Hubert’s.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I was so
upset it was ridiculous. Not only the whole summer was gone, and all
those showcase games with my teammates in front of all those coaches,
but I didn’t even know if I would be able to play again.”
She faced surgery in July and a prognosis of six-to-nine months of serious
rehabilitation before she could even think about returning to the field.
Sciarrone was cleared to play last month.
As she returned to shagging fly balls in the outfield and smacking offerings
from a hitting machine, Sciarrone never felt more blessed.
“It’s hard to describe how hard therapy was — but
I worked harder than I ever have,” she said. “I can’t
tell you how glad I am to be back.”
Sciarrone’s teammates would second that.
John Knebels may be reached at: jknebs@aol.com.