USF’s Devitt not letting youth limit impact

University of South Florida women's softball player shines as a freshman

University of South Florida infielder Lindsey Devitt is looking to make an impact as a freshman Curt MacGillivray/Toronto Observer

TAMPA, Fla.  –  University of South Florida Bulls softball player Lindsey Devitt is out to show that, despite this being her first year with the team, she is more than ready to contribute from the get go.

Despite her inexperience at the college level, the freshman infielder from Jacksonville, Florida, has already developed a trust with the team’s coaching staff, including head coach Ken Eriksen, by showing that she can produce in big situations.

USF infielder Lindsey Devitt works on her fielding in the outfield during practice

USF infielder Lindsey Devitt works on her fielding in the outfield during practice./Curt MacGillivray/Toronto Observer

On March 7, in a game against the University of Detroit  Mercy, Devitt delivered in pressure spots that some freshman players may not have been able to handle.

She was able to draw a four-pitch walk to load the bases, which helped to sustain a rally for the Bulls in the first inning. Later in the game she came to the plate with the bases loaded and produced an RBI single.

Asked about the trust she has established with her coaches, the Atlantic Coast High School graduate was quick to point out the benefits.

“It definitely adds a lot of confidence in yourself,” says Devitt. “Going in there with that trust, and just knowing that standing in there you’re going to get the job done, and he (coach Eriksen) has a lot of confidence in you to do it also, definitely takes a load off of you.”

Devitt’s overall statistics, .286 batting average, six RBIs, may not be eye-popping. However the relationship with her coaching staff, as well as her openness to learning from the renowned Eriksen, have contributed to her success.

“He definitely helps me with hitting. When I came in I had a completely different swing and he’s quieted me down a lot,” says Devitt.

Eriksen said he is well aware of what he has in the first year player, and was quick to praise her natural ability on the field.

“Lindsey is one of those kids that comes in right away pretty polished” says Eriksen.

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Posted: Mar 8 2016 10:14 pm
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