Sophia Burynski '23 Recruiting Profile

Sounds simple, but I first became interested in softball playing catch with my dad. I would often watch my Dad teach my brother the basics of baseball and soon after, began to play myself. Looking back, they weren’t just fun memories, but the start of something great. Eager each season to play, the real excitement began in tenth grade when I made the Varsity team. I was even more thrilled when after just a few games, I became the starting catcher. My parents always said I had some natural athletic ability, but now I had to build on that, especially if I wanted to take it to the next level. 

Undoubtedly, playing college ball requires discipline. Fortunately, I am a strong student academically and have been able to balance a rigorous academic schedule with several activities such as softball, varsity tennis, piano and volunteering. Although I have not yet decided on a career, I’m confident my interests in math and science will lead me down the right path. 

I feel having the opportunity to experience both a more individualized sport such as tennis, as well as a team sport such as softball, puts me at a great advantage. As a team player, I always seem to ‘connect’ with others both on and off the field, no matter how different personalities may be. As a catcher, I need to visualize the whole field, observe every player and bond with my teammates. I do my best to relax myself and everyone else around me with some humor or lighthearted chats while at the same time zero in on the seriousness of the game and the importance of working as a team. Engaging everyone in a more playful, lighthearted manner seems to help us re-focus when needed. Basically,  I just want the game to remain enjoyable and fun for all while at the same time improve our skills and win championships. 

Tennis, although more of an individualized sport, has certainly proven beneficial and in its own way, has enhanced my softball skills. In addition to assisting with great hand/eye coordination, tennis has taught me to independently focus, anticipate and think quickly while strategizing my next move. I think about those times at the plate with a 3-2 count, hitting repetitive fouls, how tennis has helped me to stay focused under pressure while thinking about what pitch might be thrown next. 

My experience playing these two very different sports has strengthened not just my overall athletic ability, but my mental game as well. Each has improved my ability to think both individually and holistically and to remain calm and focused under stressful circumstances. I consider this one of my greatest strengths. Remaining calm, managing to put aside the emotions when needed has proven to be very helpful not just to me but my teammates as well.  These skills have certainly helped me become an even better softball player and I’m sure will also prove to be valuable in life. Although I have not yet decided on a career, I intend to finish high school strong with high honors and plan to attend a College/University where I can continue to challenge myself and grow both academically and athletically.