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Get Scouted Scouting CareersWe love it when an NSR prospect gets props. In this case it’s Amanda Roosa, a 2012 softball player from Allegany-Limestone Central School in Allegany, New York, who was recently the featured athlete and interviewed by our own NSR Rochester AD, Tom Sydeski. for Section V talksback.com. Here’s Tom’s probing interview with this talented NSR prospect:
Name: Amanda Roosa
High School: Allegany-Limestone Central School
Sport & Position: Softball – Pitcher / 2nd Base
Favorite Athlete: Derek Jeter
Favorite Professional Team: The New York Yankees
College you selected: Wesleyan University
Major in College: Pre-medicine
How long have you been playing?
I’ve been playing softball ever since I can remember. I started at the age of five; however, I didn’t play at an intense level until I was 16.
Who or what influenced you to start playing?
My parents definitely had a prominent influence on my playing softball. When I was young they had me try every sport possible. I ended up enjoying softball the most. They encouraged me and were more than happy to drive me to all those practices an hour and a half away. I’m very lucky in that way.
When did you first realize, “Hey, I’m pretty good at my sport, maybe I’ll try to pursue it after high school,”? Did a coach, parent, or friend speak with you?
I first realized that I could play softball at the college level when I was a 15. I joined a highly competitive travel team and I started going to clinics at the local Division I college where I live. Their coach told me I should seriously consider playing softball at the collegiate level, possibly even for his team. He praised me for my hitting and I began to think that I would love to continue playing a sport that I love.
What kind of work do you put in during the off season? Summer leagues? Clinics? Camps? Workout routine?
During the off season I am practicing at least 3 times a week. On days that I am not practicing softball, I’m lifting and working out. Staying in shape is extremely important to me. I also play for travel teams over the summer, sometimes I’ll help other teams if they are short on pitchers and I’m free. My parents also helped me by sending me to clinics and camps whenever possible. I’m very blessed for the opportunities they gave me. God also helped me during the off season. He gave me the strength to keep hard at work.
How did you first pursue playing “at the next level”? Did you contact coaches? Attend clinics? Or simply wait for coaches to call you?
I first started pursuing playing at the collegiate level by joining a travel team and playing in college showcases. I received a few inquiries from some local colleges but I realized that if I wanted to attend out of state colleges I would have to be more proactive. I started contacting coaches in other states, some as far as California. I would attend clinics and set up overnight stays at the college to see if I liked it.
Can you share with us why you selected the college you will be attending?
I selected Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut because they are a well renowned school for their academics. To me, school is more important than softball because it is extremely difficult to find a career in softball past college. Wesleyan plays very competitive Division III softball and is ranked 35th in the country by Forbes for academics. However, the real reason I decided to attend is because they have pre-medicine as a major, I loved the campus, and most of all the team.
How has the National Scouting Report and Tom Sydeski helped you in the process of playing at the next level?
Mr. Sydeski and NSR have helped me greatly in the process of playing at the next level. Mr. Sydeski helped inform me what I needed to do in order to be noticed by coaches. He also helped me with knowing how to respond to coaches. His advice was extremely helpful and he helped me throughout the recruiting process. NSR broadened my horizons and made me realize there are many wonderful schools out there where I could play softball at the next level.
SVTB – I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda and her father Joe at the Flower City Showcase and Tournament last summer playing for Team Mizuno. This young lady is not only a fine softball player, she’s also gifted academically. When we first set off on her college search it was important to get the right opportunities for her, not only on the field, but in the classroom as well. Although she had several high academic schools courting her, when she made her visit to Wesleyan University, it was apparent to her that this was the one. Best of luck to you Amanda as you begin your collegiate career at Wesleyan University. Go Cardinals!
Tom Sydeski Section V ‐ Area Director The National Scouting Report
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National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.