Amanda Fischer: Softball

PARENTS’ FIRST/ LAST NAMES: Kathi and David Fischer

SPORT: Softball 

NUMBER OF YEARS PLAYING THE SPORT:  11 years. 

TEAM AWARDS/ RECOGNITION (CAPTAIN, LETTERWINNER):  I have lettered since freshman year. As a freshman, I made second team all section outfielder. Sophomore year, I made first team all section as an outfielder. Finally, in junior year, I made first team all section as a pitcher, Trib HSSN player of the week in May, Softball Player of the Year, and Second Team All State as a pitcher.  I was to be the captain for my senior season. 

FUTURE PLANS/ COLLEGE OF CHOICE (MAJOR): I will be continuing my athletic career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and majoring in Molecular Biology. 

OTHER ACTIVITIES (SCHOOL RELATED OR COMMUNITY):  I am a part of German Club, History Club, and National Honor Society. 

FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC MEMORY: My favorite memory is making it to the state playoffs last year for the first time in program history. 

FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECT AND FAVORITE TEACHER: My favorite subject is Calc 2. My favorite teacher is Mr. Pflugh

What would you like to say to your coaches?

To Coach Gary and Coach Chris, thank you for not kicking me off the team when I broke my hand, was in physical therapy for my shoulder, severely sprained/ tore my ankle, and was in the hospital for a week with appendicitis. Thank you for always making practices fun, light hearted, and relaxed. I am glad I had the opportunity to play for you for  your first year of coaching at Knoch. 

What would you like to say to your parents?

I don’t even know where to start with this besides thank you. This all goes back to you making me play a sport when I was 7. From there, everything is history. You drove me to the endless practices, games, and tournaments for Saxonburg, Power, and Nitro. You were there for all of my Knoch games, no matter how far. You gave up 75% of your summer weekends to go to tournaments and sometimes even a week or two for the far ones. You kept opportunities open for me so I could get where I am today. Thank you for keeping me in this game for all the times that I wanted to quit, supporting me through all my slumps, driving hours on hours, and for the commitment that you had just like me. 

What would you like to say to your teammates, either specifically or as a whole?

To my teammates, I wish I had the chance to play with you guys this season. I am at least glad that I could lead from the bench with crutches in fall ball. I know I was not there a lot of my senior preseason, but I was supporting you guys the whole way.

To my juniors and soon to be seniors, welcome to the final ride. You are almost there. Cherish every single day that you have with your friends where you have grown up with them for the past 12 years. This is your team now. It is now your turn to lead the future of Knoch Softball. 

Advice for underclassmen teammates:

To my underclassmen, your high school lives will be a rollercoaster, but the adversity will build your character and prepare you for the big grown up world. The time you have right now, you can never get back. Please, for me, make the most of everything because you do not know when it can be over. 

Best memory:

My best memories are all the bus rides to and from games.  From freshman year to junior year, from the ice cream to Chick-Fil-A stops, and obnoxious singing to the quiet rides, they were all memorable. 

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?????????????????????

After my sophomore softball banquet, my dad and I talked about the different girls I get the opportunity to play with through my time at Knoch. We realized that just in four years, I get to play with 7 different years of girls that love the game as much as I do. Looking back on all my teammates, I truly am grateful for every one of them and what they have taught me.  One last time, We Believe In Knoch, Take Pride.