By Jenna Notarfrancesco, Staff Writer
A smile crept over the face of 6-year-old Olivia Galati as she peered at her father and sister playing catch on the front lawn. With the sun and cool breeze beckoning her to join, young Olivia trotted outside to try her hand at hitting.
Galati observed the bat’s shape and felt the texture, then gave a tight grip as instructed. Her father began the count-down, “Ready, in one, two, three,” and he tossed the ball. Her bat hit the ball with a crisp clap sending it soaring above parked cars, and finally to the top of the roof of the house with a thud.
Twelve years later, 18-year-old freshman Galati has begun a promising career at Hofstra as the softball team’s pitcher and designated player. Galati opened the season at the LaQuinta Inn Tournament on February 19-21 with a 1.00 earned run average leading the Pride to a 3-0 lead. The Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) awarded her the Rookie and Pitcher of the Week honors on February 23 after her impressive performances.
The most impressive achievement according to Galati was, “getting my first win at the college level, 3 to 4 weeks ago against North Carolina State.”
After displaying her innate talent as a child, her parents enrolled her in softball lessons. Her skill level and love of the sport grew, so she pursued softball in high school where she played at St. John The Baptist for four years in her current hometown of West Babylon, NY.
Now at Hofstra, Galati continues to work hard, attending practices, perfecting her pitches and staying in shape, which is not always easy when balancing schoolwork with softball.
“In the season,” Galati said, “It is a little bit harder than the fall just because we are traveling so much. It is hard but you know what, you have to do it. If it means staying up late then you stay up late, but you do the best you can.”
Pride players must be diligent and completely committed to developing and perfecting their skills. While other students choose to relax at home on Saturday afternoons, Galati trains instead.
“I have got to pitch and practice and train. It is a lot, a lot of practice and many sacrifices too. It is well worth it though,” said Galati.
Galati has a 7-2 record with a 1.53 earned run average, to go along with 70 strikeouts and was named the Colonial Athletic Association Softball Rookie of the Week for the third time this season.
Not only is Galati a starting pitcher, but she is also a designated hitter. “I hit too, so I try to contribute at the plate. I cheer for my teammates, hope that we go out there and kill every team we play,” said Galati.
The team’s and Galati’s main goal is to qualify and win the College World Series at the end of the season.
