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04/27/2022 12:00 AMAllie Petonito is playing a huge role in the Guilford softball team’s solid start to the 2022 season. Allie, a senior captain shortstop, has been swinging a hot bat for a Grizzlies’ club that’s won its last four games to improve its record to 6-2 on the year.
Allie has a .440 batting average and a .533 on-base percentage with 11 hits, 9 runs scored, 5 RBI, and 6 stolen bases this season. With several victories already in the books, Allie is looking to help Guilford continue its winning ways as the squad pursues a spot in the playoffs.
“I am so proud of everyone on the team this year. Everyone has such a positive attitude and works hard every practice and game,” says Allie. “Every single person has contributed, and I think that if we stay positive and confident, we will continue to find success this season. It’s important to take this season one game, one inning, and one out at a time and, with our team unity, I have high hopes for the SCC and State Tournament this year.”
Allie got into softball when she was five years old, drawing inspiration from her brother John and father Jeff. Allie’s favorite part about playing the sport is the preparation she undertakes every time that she steps up to the plate.
“My favorite aspect of softball is the mental challenge of it,” Allie says. “Unlike any other sport I’ve played, it is a game of failure and has taught me to accept my own failure and focus on what I need to fix in order to be there for my team.”
One of Allie’s best memories on the softball field came when she hit a home run against Jonathan Law last season. The Grizzlies claimed a 3-1 victory in the game, and Allie will never forget the feeling of seeing that ball flying out of the park.
“My favorite moment was hitting an over-the-fence home run at home my junior year against Jonathan Law,” Allie says. “It brought us one game closer to making states and, although we didn’t make it, we had a great last few games last season where everyone was able to contribute.”
Head Coach Meghan Wiese says that Allie has been an integral part of Guilford’s varsity roster ever since the infielder was a freshman. Wiese describes Allie as one of the team’s hardest workers and an excellent role model for everyone in the program. Last year, Allie earned All-SCC First Team honors and was also selected to play in the Junior All-Star Game.
“As a freshman, Allie started at second and, last season, switched to shortstop, where she continues to be a staple in the infield, while delivering at the plate. I expect Allie to end her high school career on a positive note, because she is the kind of athlete that deserves it,” says Coach Wiese. “Allie sets a positive example for her teammates on and off the field. She makes sure everyone on the team is included. I am excited to see how the rest of the season unfolds not only for Allie, but the rest of the team, too. This group deserves all the success.”
Allie’s relationship with Wiese has flourished over the years. Allie feels grateful for everything that she’s learned from the Grizzlies’ head coach.
“Coach Wiese is someone who values the interests of each player,” Allie says. “She makes every practice and game fun and is always down to have a good laugh, but everyone on the team, including myself, have so much respect for her and her commitment to the team.”
Allie has dedicated herself to becoming the best softball player possible, and that all starts with her hard work in the batting cages. Allie has spent many hours working on her swing with her father, in addition to playing on the travel ball circuit. That type of effort is one of the biggest reasons why Allie is sporting such a high batting average this year.
“I often go to the batting cages with my dad, where we will work on improving my swing, and I play on an 18-U travel team during the summer, where we play in tournaments and college showcases around the state,” says Allie. “I also work out on my own throughout the week in order to get stronger and overall improve my athletic performance.”
Allie also served as a senior captain for the Guilford field hockey team last fall, helping the Grizzlies win their third-straight state title and fourth-consecutive SCC championship. Allie garnered All-SCC First Team accolades, made the All-State Team, and was selected to be a part of the National High School Impact Team by National Field Hockey Coaches Association.
“Field hockey has taught me so much about sportsmanship, leadership, and leaving my comfort zone. Our coach always pushed us to be our best and to give our all, which is why we were able to be so successful,” Allie says. “It also taught me the importance of my attitude and how it affected the rest of the team. As a captain, it was necessary for me to bring a positive and encouraging attitude to every practice and game.”
Like many athletes, Allie felt disappointed when her sophomore softball season was canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago. However, Allie was happy to get back on the field last season and is now embracing every moment that she gets to spend with her teammates during her final campaign wearing a Guilford uniform.
“Right now, I am just so thankful to have a sense of normalcy after the past couple years with COVID. I try to be optimistic about it, but I don’t take anything for granted, because you never know if everything will be shut down again,” says Allie. “I’m grateful for all that we’ve been able to accomplish this year.”