Sydney Boulware, a freshman pitcher for the Winthrop softball team, pitched a no-hitter during her first college scrimmage against Cleveland Community College.
“To pitch my first college game ever as a no-hitter left me feeling very proud of myself for doing what is expected of me. My goal for the game was to strike out as many people as I could, and that’s what I did,” Boulware said.
“I was so excited because it was my first college game, and I could not wait to show what I could do,” she said.
Boulware shared that she felt good after winning the game and was proud of herself. Upon reflection of the game, Boulware expressed that she still has some things to critique in order to become a better pitcher.
“My teammates thought I did a really good job since I pitched a no-hitter. They all complimented me, and my coach was happy with my success. My family was also happy that I did what they already knew I could do.”
Boulware began playing softball when she was a little girl and started out in a T-ball league. She said she was not influenced at a young age to want to play at a higher level. However, as she kept playing as she got older, she realized the many opportunities to play softball at a college level.
This season, Boulware is already thinking about the goals and expectations she hopes to meet.
“The expectations I have for myself [are] to give it my all every time and show the team the type of player they accepted onto the team,” Boulware said.
Boulware said that the goal she has this season as a pitcher is to just do her best each day and help the team go as far as possible with her skills. Additionally, she plans to improve on her hitting.
“I plan to grow stronger as a person while in the athletic program here at Winthrop and to learn to workout better,” Boulware said.
Before each game, Boulware prepares by eating a meal and then getting treatment completed by the athletic trainer. After that, she begins warm-up exercises with her team.
“I do pray before a game, and that’s a tradition for me as it brings me and the team good luck. The team prays as a whole before the games begin as well,” Boulware said.
“Our team routine before a game to get the team hyped up is by doing team bonding activities at the field beforehand and listening to music,” she said.
“The team environment is very family-like where everyone treats everyone like a sister and is there for each other. The team is all about positive vibes and no negativity towards anyone. They have been welcoming so far,” Boulware said.
As the team’s spring season approaches, Boulware said she will be preparing by practicing spinning the ball as fast as she can and learning to relax in order to improve her hitting.
