The anxiety of staring into the batter's beady eyes, gripping the ball with palms moistened in sweat, and having the weight of the game rest in your mitt could be enough to rattle even the strongest willed players.
Time and time again, Stacey Evans has stepped onto the pitcher's mound and proven that even the greatest of pressure cannot break her. She uses the pressure of being the team's pitcher as fuel to improve her game.
"Pitching is interesting because you are going against the batter trying to strike them out," said Evans.
Evans is dedicated to perfecting her skill; doing everything she can to improve her pitching techniques. Not only does she continue to occupy the mound when the Bulls' season is over, she continues to play against the best in collegiate softball.
"Playing during the offseason is more relaxed but you play with Division I athletes," said Evans.
Many may perceive Evans as a shy person, but on the mound, she's anything but.
"My shyness does not affect how I play on the field," said Evans. "I don't realize how many people are watching. I focus on the batter."
Evans, a junior business administration major from Collinsville, Ill., has already made her way into the UB record books, holding eight top spots, including single-season strikeouts (137), wins (10), shutouts (five), and earned run average (1.68). The remaining four spots, all career records, will only be improved as she continues on in her blue and white number 18 jersey.
Now in her third year on the team, she is already making her mark. When UB defeated Canisius 3-0 on March 25, she pitched all seven innings, allowing only one hit, and striking out 11. Evans always strives to do her best for the Bulls, striking out as many players as possible to add wins to the standings.
Although this hardworking pitcher has many achievements to be proud of, she remains humble and feels her team is the most important aspect of the game.
"I do my best for my teammates," said Evans. " I'm always trying to give the team 110 percent."
5 Random Questions
Q: Do you like milkshakes?
A: Yes. I really like chocolate milkshakes.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: Well after class and practice, I do all my homework.
Q: Is Buffalo different from Collinsville?
A: No. There is not much difference between Buffalo and my hometown.
Q: What is your favorite color?
A: Blue.
Q: What shows do you like to watch?
A: I love to watch Scooby Doo.
