TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Softball Player 'Holds Team Together'

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOHN CEBALLOS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 9, 2008

RUSKIN - It didn't occur to Lisa Marie Gritzinger that she might be cut out to be an athlete.

"My dad was the one who always said I was built athletically," Gritzinger said. "He's really the one who got me my start in sports when I was little."

Shortly thereafter, she signed up for Little League baseball. For the past four years - including the past two at Lennard High School - she has been playing softball.

"Lisa is a very vocal and outgoing captain," head coach Mindy Miltner said. "Lisa is the glue that holds the team together; as a junior I expect great leadership and a positive role model for the players coming in.

"I expect great things from her in the next two years."

Gritzinger, 17, plays center field and third base for the team, but softball is far from the only activity that has kept her busy this year.

She also plays drums for the school's marching band and enjoys bodybuilding. Gritzinger would have tried out for the school's track team this spring if it didn't conflict with softball.

"Out of everything I do, I love softball the most," Gritzinger said. "When we're out on the field, it's a whole other world, and it feels really good to get away from everything else."

Now that she's very much into sports, it's going to be nearly impossible to get her out. Gritzinger hopes to attend the University of South Florida and study to become an athletic trainer.

"The reason I want to do that is because I just like to be around sports - as many different sports as I can," she said. "I definitely feel like I can fit in."

GET TO KNOW

WHO: Lisa Marie Gritzinger

AGE: 17

SCHOOL: Lennard High School

GRADE: 11th

SPORTS: softball, bodybuilding
FUTURE PLANS: To attend the University of South Florida and study to become an athletic trainer

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT