As the school year draws to a close, and senior athletes battle through their final season at Ossining High School, the time comes for these immensely talented individuals to be recognized for their hard work on behalf of OHS. One of the most prominent of these individuals is softball player Grace Scorcia, a tenacious athlete whose astonishing mental drive has been evident from the very moment she began playing–which just so happens to be the moment she learned how to walk. Through the years, Scorcia has led her softball and soccer teams to new heights from her positions of center fielder and center midfielder, all the while leaving an undeniable mark on the athletics program of OHS and of Ossining as a whole. The Current met with Scorcia to discuss her impressive athletic career.

TC: What led you to begin playing your current position(s)?

GS: I was unsure where I wanted to play moving up to varsity. Coach Nunes and Scarduzio, realizing my speed, put me in left field for my first varsity appearance. I played in that position for two years and then when the center fielder graduated I was placed in center. It is a hard position, having to cover my spot, back up second, short, as well as the other outfield positions.

TC: What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment as a player?

GS: My greatest accomplishment as a player for softball would probably be the grand slam I hit last year, it was not my first home run, but it was my first grand slam. Running around the bases I could not stop smiling, and I knew when I was confident up at the plate I had the potential to make a great hit. In general as a player I think it is just being able to compete with the bigger players. Me Gabby Ferrao and Sam Cozzolino in 7th grade tried out for JV soccer, a place for the bigger people, and in our freshman year we made varsity. Not only could we compete with the girls on our team we could come into the game and face people who, at the time, were bigger, faster, and tougher.

TC: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced during your athletic career?

GS: The biggest challenge as a player I have is not going to hard on myself. Being from a big sports family I always try to play like my siblings and parents, as well as my teammates. I think I hold myself on a different standard as other people. I can be my own worst enemy in a game when I get into my head, and other players know this, it is hard to turn that voice off and stay positive with your mind in the game.

TC: What advice would you give to someone looking to play your position?

GS: Center field is hard, you see the whole field and have to be able to know what to do at all times. If you play center field do not be afraid speak out, the position is a lot of talking to people since you can see the play they should make. Be prepared for every situation a play ahead, and be ready to execute that plan. It is a fun place to be, know the concepts of the sport and spot, and just have fun with it.

TC: How is the season going so far?

GS: We have only had 2 games so far in this season due to rain, we have not come out on top, but that is okay. Every loss is a lesson on what to do to make sure we can do better next time. The team practices hard and we tackle any problem that comes at us. Scores in this game can get pretty high, just simply because at one point it is possible to score 4 people, sometimes the outcome of the game does not represent the game. I think people are quick to say a loss is a loss but other factors go into each game. You can lose, but it can be a tough game or you can win and the other team just gave it to you. I think you will see as the season progresses OVSB will be a strong force people will underestimate.

TC: As a team, what is your greatest strength?

GS: Our greatest strength is that we understand each other. Not only are we a very close group of girls we are also diverse. Diverse in the sense that many people can play many positions. If need be I know most of the team can play 6 or 7 positions, some even 8 other positions, on top of their own. We know what is required at that spot and can give good tips to each other, so we know what advice to give and when, and we know the difficulties of each spot so we give support. 

TC: What are some of your other interests?

GS: On top of sports in general, I am a big TV person. My family really actually, we can watch a movie or TV and quote lines from it. It is fun to quiz and joke with each other while watching people not understand what is going on. Additionally, I am pretty excited to be learning Sign Language. It is my first year trying learning the culture and language and it is just beautiful. My teacher Ms. Wisniewski is extremely good at conveying the importance of the class, and it has sort of inspired me to learn on my own time. 

TC: Will you be playing for a college team?

GS: I am going to the University of New Haven and am speaking to both the soccer and softball coach about playing, but if that does not work out you can best believe I will find a way to play both of those sports!