GAME ON: The Player - Grace Eng

GAME ON: The Player - Grace Eng

Q&A with Grace Eng, Middletown Softball

 

How has your season been going?

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My season has been great. The team is very strong this year, and we're already 8-0. The girls are fun, dedicated, and passionate about the team and softball, so it's great knowing that they want to be there as much as I do.

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

The biggest challenge has been preparing for the AP exams (which are happening this week) as well as being involved in other after school activities, such as being president for the National Honor Society.

Who is your biggest motivator?

My biggest motivator is between my softball coach Robin Ramey and my parents. Both inspire me to improve my softball skills everyday as well as to pursue my dreams in the classroom. They support every decision I make and are there when I need a hand.

Who is your biggest rival?

My biggest rival is probably Moses Brown because they come to the field confident and mentally prepared to face us. It seems teams are even more focused when they face us, which makes my team want to win even more. I think my rival is also myself because I'm trying to always stay positive and to know that doing my best is all that my team expects of me, nothing more and nothing less.

What are you working to improve your game?

I'm working on be aggressive at the plate by not letting too many strikes go by (especially inside low ones), being positive even when I make a mistake, and my pitching. I want to be able to throw all my pitches for a strike, whether it's my fastball, change-up, etc. All of this will help when I go to play for Elon University in N.C.

What is your greatest memory on the field?

I've had so many memories on the softball field that I can honestly say I can't pick just one. There were memories of my dad and I pitching in Little League when I first started, or in Gaudet Middle School, and now at Middletown High School. Softball has and always will be a huge part of my life, so to pinpoint one memory is a challenge.

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

Balancing schoolwork, practices, and games is a challenge but it's also my motivation. I want to do well in everything I do, on and off the field. I know I'm a perfectionist, so I try to succeed in everything and I never settle for anything less than I'm capable of. I'd rather fail a thousand times trying my best than coasting through life and never achieving anything.

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

I'm going to attend Elon University in North Carolina where I will also be playing Division I softball. I'm very excited to join this elite program, and I know the work I do now will only help me in the long run in college.