RARE BOND Softball Teammates Relationship Journeys back to Kindergarten
By Molly Sollenberger ’10 Photography: J.D. Cavrich
I
t has always been true that in order to develop in what you love, practice is necessary. Likewise, if you practice with the same person in whatever it is that you do over the course of your life, a unique bond will grow.
19
2010 Spring-Summer
Sarah Eckard and Alyssa Erb are currently college softball stars, but that stardom was achieved by hard work and going through countless experiences together dating back to kindergarten. Memories of the beginning of their softball careers bring laughter to both women. Starting out at age six and advancing through different leagues together, Sarah and Alyssa began creating their strong relationship on and off the field. When they weren’t playing softball, they were trick-or-treating together, performing plays in elementary school, and playing computer games. Rather than drifting apart, as years passed by Sarah and Alyssa’s relationship continued to grow. Sarah says, “Although there were a core group of the same girls on each team, Alyssa was with me from the beginning and it gave us a common history that strengthened our relationship.” In high school, Sarah and Alyssa played on the Hollidaysburg Area High School Tigers softball team, but were involved in separate club teams. Not for long. Alyssa introduced Sarah to her club coach during their junior year of high school, and yet another team team bond was forged in their last two years of high school. Both extraordinary athletes, Sarah and Alyssa also were involved in other sports. Alyssa played volleyball in high school and Sarah was involved in soccer, and track. When the time came to prioritize a particular sport for their college careers, Alyssa immediately chose softball, but Sarah was on the fence.