The Voice Sits down with Quaker Softball Senior Reese Politowski

T. Curcio

Senior Reese Politowski in the pitching circle for Quaker Softball

Reese Politowski is among several student-athletes who continue to make a positive impression at Orchard Park High School. Reese’s hard work and perseverance paid off, as she has committed to John Carroll University, where she will continue her softball career. She is also an accomplished and involved student, which she demonstrates with her attitude. We sat down to talk to Reese, and she revealed some of her best advice and goals that she has developed in her athletic journey.

Do you have any advice for underclassmen? 

RP: I would say that especially as an athlete, time management is huge, and I know that a lot of upperclassmen say that, but I think that it really does apply to being an athlete. So in season, I get really busy, so spending Saturday and Sunday on homework is great.

Do you have a pre-game ritual?

RP: I listen to the same two songs before games, which are “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus and “Walk Me Home” by Pink because my mom and I listen to it all the time. I’m a little bit superstitious, so before my games, my mom writes on my wrists in pink Sharpie, and I love to give my dad a hug.

Who is your biggest inspiration?  

RP: My parents, since my mom is my biggest role model, and I get my competitiveness from my dad; he’s the reason I got into sports, but I would definitely say both of them are who keep me going.

How do you balance being a student and an athlete? 

RP: I think the best thing is that during school just focus on school, and during practice just focus on practice; so focus on what you’re doing in that moment. It’s definitely going to get harder soon since I’m playing a sport in college, so time management is critical. I focus on what I’m doing in the moment, so during school I just focus on school, and during practice, I just focus on practice. I’m also a list person, which helps me cross off what I need to do.

What are your biggest goals? 

RP: This is a personal question since it differs for everybody; I’m trying to get 100 career strikeouts for varsity. I’m pretty sure that I have 66 so far, so I need 44 this season, which is not awful, but it’s definitely challenging. I’m also looking to have some sort of record in college, maybe an All-American, or something like that.

Have you ever been injured?

RP: Last year, I got hit by a pitch in my ankle, so I didn’t even finish my first day of tryouts and had to get an x-ray on it, but it ended up just being a bone bruise. I’ve also sprained my ankle a couple of times, so coming back from it is tough. [It] takes a lot of rest and ice.

What have been your biggest challenges so far?

RP: One of my biggest challenges was that growing up I was underestimated. And when I was younger, I was a little uncoordinated and I started later, so coaches took it as I wouldn’t ever be as good as my teammates or that I wouldn’t make it as far.

Is there anyone specific whom you would like to thank?

RP: I would say my parents again, as they spent a lot of effort and money, and they had a lot of tears getting me this far. Also, my coaches and my pitching coach have heard a lot of rants and tears as well. My teammates have gotten me this far too, as it’s not an individual sport, so we need each other and share all of the team’s wins together.

We wish Reese the best in all of her pursuits and are looking forward to what else she will accomplish. After hearing some of her advice, we are even more proud to call her a Quaker!