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07/15/2021 12:00 AMSyd Robison’s inspiration to play softball came at an early age when her mother Elizabeth encouraged her to try out a new sport. Syd developed a love for the game and has been on the field ever since, recently completing a stellar sophomore season with the Morgan softball team.
Syd earned her spot as the starting catcher for the Huskies’ varsity squad in her first season with the program this spring. Syd finished her sophomore year with a .444 batting average, one home run, and 14 RBI, earning All-Shoreline Conference Honorable Mention for her performance.
“I have been playing softball for 11 years. My mom had been my coach all the years I was in Little League,” says Syd. “She’s been my inspiration since day one and became even more of an inspiration when she got recognized for all her hard work for the Little League softball program.”
One of Syd’s favorite moments as a softball player came during her Little League All-Star season as a child. Syd’s team advanced to the championship game that year, and she enjoyed every second of the experience.
“My best memory of softball came during my Little League All-Star season. We made it to the championship and, even though we didn’t win, we played our hearts out,” Syd says. “I made so many bonds with the girls on the team. I am so happy for all the memories and success we had with the team.”
Syd’s passion for softball grew stronger as she created bonds with her teammates. The rising junior enjoys the team aspect of the game and knows that it takes all nine players to contribute to a winning effort.
“My favorite aspect is how softball is a team sport. You can’t just play with one person,” says Syd. “All nine people on the field give something to the game. It truly is a team sport and can’t be a played without everyone working together.”
As a freshman at Morgan, Syd saw the effect that the COVID-19 pandemic had on high school sports in Connecticut as the entire spring season as canceled. Syd felt grateful that the Huskies were able to compete and play a full schedule this year.
“I was worried that our season would get cut short and the seniors, now graduates, wouldn’t get a season,” says Syd. “It was tough, because our season could stop at any moment, but I’m glad we got a full season.”
While Syd was only a sophomore, Morgan Head Coach Scott Chidsey praises her for the leadership abilities that she displayed throughout the 2021 campaign. Coach Chidsey believes that Syd has what it takes to lead the Huskies to success next year.
“Syd is very respected by the coaching staff and her teammates, as well as the umpires. She is our No. 3 hitter and led the team in batting average and several other offensive categories,” Chidsey says. “Defensively, Syd is outstanding behind the plate. It didn’t take long for teams to realize they shouldn’t run on her, and she also picked several players off of the bases. She is very strong and gritty behind the plate and has no fear.”
Aside from playing for Morgan, Syd also competes for the Cheshire Flames travel softball team. Syd says her that coaches Ron Piazza and John Gawiak have helped her develop into a more versatile player.
“They really want me to be better and go farther with the game,” Syd says of her coaches. “I also play on fall teams to try and stick with the game all year-round. I ask all of my coaches for things to improve on and try my hardest in practices and games.”
Syd thinks that some good things are in store for Morgan next season. The Huskies saw their share of ups and downs this year, but Syd feels confident that they will learn from their mistakes and come back strong in 2022.
“I believe next year we will have many more successes,” says Syd. “Even though we didn’t win a lot of games, there were exciting moments, like my over-the-fence home run and when Kacey Edwards pitched and I caught her 100th strikeout of the season. I have been catching for her since I was 10, which made it really special. I am looking forward to starting next season with that same spirit.”