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04/22/2021 12:00 AMJill Batick has made constant progress since she first stepped foot on the field with the Guilford softball team as a freshman. Now entering her senior season, Jill’s improvements have led to her becoming quite a force in Guilford’s lineup.
Jill is a senior captain who plays the infield for the Grizzlies. In her sophomore year, Jill earned All-SCC Second Team honors after batting .333 with one home run, nine RBI, and 12 runs scored. Jill will never forget that moment when Head Coach Meghan Wiese told her that she’d made All-SCC.
“I remember getting the text from my coach randomly, and I wasn’t expecting it at all,” says Jill. “I worked so hard all season and during the winter, but I didn’t have any expectations. It meant so much to me that my efforts had been recognized.”
Jill started playing softball when she was in 2nd grade. Jill’s parents had her compete in several different sports to see what she liked, and softball was the one that left a lasting impression on her. Jill has been playing softball ever since, and she’s made plenty of friends along the way.
“As much as I love the competition and the sport itself, my favorite part is being a part of a team,” Jill says. “You make friendships that are so different from regular school friends, and the friendships you make just help you thrive in the sport overall.”
Since Guilford was unable to compete last spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jill spent most of the year hitting in the cage by herself in order to stay on top of her game. Jill developed a routine to where she’s now batting in the cage nearly every single day.
“I spend a lot of time in the cages and on the field before or after practices, as well as during the offseason,” says Jill. “My friends and I go together all the time to get extra work in and make it a fun pastime. I also go to Mangino’s [Strength & Conditioning] year-round to get some work in.”
Coach Wiese calls Jill one of Guilford’s most versatile players and appreciates how she’s willing to play anywhere on the field. Jill started in the outfield during her freshman and sophomore seasons, but this year, the senior captain is splitting time between shortstop and second base for the Grizzlies.
“Jill’s ability to play anywhere on the field just proves the kind of player and leader she is. Jill’s aggressiveness and work ethic is contagious. She understands the game and is constantly putting the team first,” says Wiese. “Aside from her softball ability, Jill sets a positive tone for both practices and games. Her leadership will be a staple this year’s success. I have no doubt in my mind Jill will end her softball career with no regrets.”
Next year, Jill will attend the University of Rhode Island and has plans to try out for the school’s club softball team. Before that, though, Jill’s goal is to help Guilford enjoy a successful season this spring. Jill wants the Grizzlies to stay safe as they compete with every ounce of energy they have.
“I have high expectations for this season. I think our team is going to be very successful as time and practice goes on,” Jill says. “The only thing that I’m worried about while playing during the pandemic is having to quarantine—myself or the team as a whole—or any of us getting COVID. We don’t know what will happen with COVID or quarantines, but I do know we’ll play our hardest every time we step on the field.”