GAME ON: The Player - Alyssa McCoart

GAME ON: The Player - Alyssa McCoart

Q & A with Alyssa McCoart, Lincoln Softball

What are you looking forward to this season?

This season I am looking forward to having a successful senior year. I hope I can help my team have a winning season and play for the state championship.

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What has been the biggest challenge being a high school athlete?

Throughout my four years of being a high school athlete my biggest challenge has been balancing academics with athletics. There are times when my school works gets overwhelming and is difficult when it is during a sport season. When this happens, you have to be very disciplined to get all of the schoolwork done in between the practices and games.

Who is your biggest motivator?

My biggest motivator is my travel softball coach, Tom Constantin. Without him I would not be where I am today. He has helped me become a better player and has been one of my biggest supporters on and off the field.

Who is your biggest rival?

In most sports, Lincoln and Cumberland have a big rivalry. Every year when we face them it is always a close game that can go either way. Both teams have competitive players.

What are you working on to improve your game?

As a pitcher, I am working on my movement pitches, which require concentrating on the spin of the ball. From an offensive perspective I am doing more tee work to improve my swing.

What is your greatest memory on the field?

My greatest memory on the field was during my freshmen year. Our number one pitcher was injured and I was the next pitcher to come off the bench and start for the team. Although just a freshman, my coach had the confidence in me that I could get the job done. We were playing one of the best teams in the state that year and I was extremely nervous. The game was 0-0 going into the seventh inning. Even though we lost 1-0, I held my own and proved to myself that I was capable of being a successful pitcher in high school.

How are you able to balance your schoolwork with practices, games, and training?

Having a full schedule, time management is very important in order to get things done on time. I try to plan out each week the best that I can to keep me on track.

Where do you see yourself going from here, do you plan to pursue this sport in college?

After high school I will be attending Central Connecticut State University and will be playing softball at the Division I level. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to play for an up and coming program, and hope that I can contribute to the success of the team.