By Victoria Mickens — STAFF WRITER
Hofstra Pride softball has had an assortment of dynamic players this year within the 2016 season.
Specifically, it’s been exciting to watch Nikki Michalowski control first base and send the ball into the outfield, all with the biggest smile on her face.
The sophomore first baseman has been making her mark so far this season. Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Michalowski credits her sister with her stellar performance and confidence at the plate.
Sarah Michalowski, 26, is a former member of the Pride softball team (2008-2011). Nikki says that her sister has served as her biggest inspiration and has “made me the player that I am today. I wouldn’t be here without her.”
Michalowski has been playing the game since the ripe age of eight years old.
She tried out a few other sports but softball obviously stuck. Her interest in the sport came while attending her oldest sister’s games with her other sister Jenna, 22.
She even kept the number 11 that her sister used throughout her softball career to “keep it in the family.” Always being around the softball lifestyle made it easier for Michalowski to get into the game herself.
She tries to dedicate her time to focus solely on athletics and academics.
Her most memorable moment during her time with the Pride so far is when the team received rings on Alumni Day, because she was actually able to the conceptualize the fact that the team won the CAA championship.
In terms of preparation for the season, Michalowski said she has put in a lot of work “day in and day out, on and off the field.” The improvement overall as a team has been a “matter of effort in every game and consistency.”
The Pride currently holds a record of 13-10 overall. Michalowski is hitting .315 so far this season, with 11 runs scored and 18 RBI.
The softball coaching staff, consisting of head coach Larissa Anderson and assistant coaches Julie Meyer and Elise Fortier, have also played a crucial part in molding who Michalowski is as a player.
“They all have different personalities that will motivate us in different ways,” said Michalowski.
As a result, it has helped her to be a well-rounded player and to always tackle obstacles with an open mind.
Michalowski does not have any specific personal goals but she said, “I always want to get better.”
The motivation for Michalowski and for the entire team at this point is to advance to regionals and to super regionals.
Michalowski says the energy and the atmosphere at her games is what keeps that dream alive and continues to inspire her to perform at her best.
“Being a part of the Hofstra softball team means being part of a second family, and having that family you can always rely on, and it is always something bigger than yourself,” she said.
