Softball V
Phillips Academy became a coeducational institution in 1973. Entering the 2013 season, the varsity teams have rung up a 398-143 record (.736), including a 15-3 mark and second straight Big East Prep Invitational Tournament championship in 2012. PA has co-hosted this eight-team, double-elimination competition held on the third weekend in May since 2001. This April 27, the Blue registered the 400th varsity softball victory in the Academy’s history. Reaching these benchmarks is a gratifying by-product of PA’s emphasis at both the varsity and JV levels on individual skill development, team building and -- last but not least -- having fun.
PA has one of the best softball venues at the New England secondary level, consisting of two diamonds at Isham Field. Both have skinned infields, and the main diamond is equipped with recently upgraded features. The Athletic Department provided a new electronic scoreboard and thanks to a group of young alumnae who have been raising the necessary funds, Isham Field now has a batting cage/bullpen unit, permanent dugouts and larger bleachers situated behind the home plate backstop. A new equipment shed will be operational in 2014. Friends, family and other spectators enjoy the cozy confines of Isham’s intimate setting while sitting in the stands or catching rays on the grassy bank that runs parallel to the third base line.
We are also proud of the outstanding academic records compiled by our players. It is not uncommon for our players to earn Honor Roll grades during the softball season and our graduates have continued to star in the classroom and on the diamond in collegiate programs. Andover alumnae have gone on to play softball in all three NCAA divisions. This year’s senior class includes two players headed to Ivy League softball programs, and the Class of 2011 produced two Division I softball players and a pair of Division I athletes competing in field hockey and ice hockey, respectively. Two PA softball alumnae have earned NCAA Division I Rookie of the Year softball honors in their leagues. Several have captained their teams, one leading her team to the NCAA Division I Regionals. Some have become coaches. Others ended their competitive softball careers at Andover but starred in other college sports, such as basketball, crew, field hockey, ice hockey and soccer. One former shortstop's hat trick propelled her team to an NCAA Division I Women’s Ice Hockey championship.
The most exciting stories reflect what graduates have accomplished off the field. They are active professionally in the arts, business, education, engineering, environmental issues, health care, journalism, law, medicine, military, politics, public policy, research and travel, and live all over the world. They have families of their own and typically give back to their communities. Whether they are running water resources projects in Ghana, or serving as director of protocol and special events for a former U.S. House Speaker, or working on education reform for the Gates Foundation, or carrying out assignments while embedded with combat troops in Iraq, or running a software company in Australia, or performing surgery, or overseeing projects for a state office of transportation, or working part-time while raising children, or raising money for charities by running marathons, softball alumnae are among the many PA graduates who have put their Andover education and wide range of interests to good use. If this sounds appealing and if you are eager to follow in such illustrious footsteps, we welcome your interest in our softball program.
Coach: Peter Drench
Highlights
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Kaplan Pitches, Bergeron Bats Blue to Victory
Softball V
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5/22/13
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Jenny Kaplan waited all season to make her first start in the circle. When her chance came, she pitched a complete game, five-hitter, helped by an offensive explosion led by Victoria Bergeron's four hits and two RBI.
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