Samantha Pierannunzi is coming off a strong freshman season in 2014. The Suwanee, Georgia native batted Batted .364 with 24 hits, 12 RBI, and nine runs scored in 29 appearances. She started 20 games for the Yellow Jackets in right field and came on strong towards the end of the season. She also hit her first college grand slam against the North Carolina Tar Heels on 4/12/2014.
If she improves upon an already impressive freshman year she should be a key player in the Georgia Tech line-up in 2015.
Let’s get to know about Samantha.
FPN: When did you hit your first home run? How did it make you feel?
Pierannunzi: I hit my first home run during a showcase in Colorado during the summer going in to my junior year of high school. I was so excited because I had just switched from being a slapper to a power hitter at the beginning of that year and had been working very hard on my swing all summer. It was funny though because there was a runner on first and she waited back to see if she needed to tag. I did not know the ball went over so I was running as fast as I could and ended up being an arm’s length away before I realized how close I was to her. I finally hit my first home run and almost got called out because of passing the runner in front of me. My coaches were not too thrilled about that but overall it was a very rewarding feeling.
FPN: Who or what inspired you the most to pursue your dream?
Pierannunzi: My parents are my biggest inspiration. They both work so extremely hard for me and my brothers and I appreciate them so much. Ever since I was little they told me that I could do anything I put my mind to, it may sound cliché, but they helped my dream of being a collegiate athlete a reality by helping me in every way possible. My mom especially pushes me to be the best player I can because she is a constant reminder to continue to work hard no matter what life throws in my path. In addition, she reminds me that no matter what, find the best out of any situation because even in spite of the bad, amazing things can always happen.
FPN: Some advice to people who want to follow your path; what are three things you should do to help yourself improve as a player?
Pierannunzi: In order to play any sport at a collegiate level, remember 3 things:
- Work on the mental just as much as the physical, the older you get, the more you realize each game is more of a competition against yourself and how you approach the situation at hand than the person standing against you. Practice mental as much as you practice physical so that when the pressure sets in, you are just as prepared for the mindset as you are from the reps you take.
- Never make softball more than it is, I wish someone told me this earlier on, because it’s the same game of softball you’ve been playing your whole life. If you turn it into more than that, you lose sight in all the reasons you’ve been playing the game in the first place.
- Appreciate all the little moments along the way, remember the big game winning plays that happen every so often just as much as the teammates that worked beside you each day so that you could make those plays. You start to realize that they help to make you the player you are just as much as you do.
FPN: What is your favorite thing about your coach, why?
Pierannunzi: I love how detail oriented my coach is. She works very hard and takes into account every aspect of our season, both on and off the field to make sure everything is taken care of. Our entire coaching staff works very hard for that to make sure we have every tool we need to be successful as possible. Coach goes to great length to make sure we are prepared mentally and physically day in and day out. Even something so small like baking the team cupcakes on our birthdays, means a lot to all of us because we know she cares about each of us individually as her players. Plus, her hair always looks good 🙂
FPN: In your mind what is a breakfast for champions, why?
Pierannunzi: Krispy Kreme donuts are the only meal for any true champion. Who can honestly pass up a Hot and Ready donuts?
Extra Innings
FPN: Which do you like better, Chipotle or Taco Bell?
Pierannunzi: Taco Bell for sure, never turn down Taco Bell especially when Dorito’s Locos Tacos are involved…
