Dec. 17, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As a freshman, Sarah Kamenski (Mountain View, Calif./St. Francis) showed her ability to make an impact on the field. In one of the most impressive individual performances in team history, Kamenski shutout Coppin State, tossing five innings of one-hit ball and tying a team record with 10 strikeouts. In the same game, she went 2-for-3 at the plate, tying another team record with four runs scored.
But since arriving at Georgetown University, the Mountain View, Calf. native has shown a knack for more than proving her athletic prowess; Kamenski and her teammates have shown the ability to make an impact in the community.
"Coach Pat (Conlan) encourages us to get involved in activities other than softball, particularly ones that are charity based," said Kamenski. "Our main team charity event this semester has been the, Walk Now For Autism. Our team was in charge of helping out with registration for the event."
Walk Now For Autism, a fundraising walk around the National Mall sponsored by Autism Speaks, takes place annually with the goal of raising money to find a cure for the developmental disability that affects between one and 1.5 million Americans. Kamenski and her teammates worked hard to ensure the success of the walk.
"We were there at 7:30 a.m. (on October 22, 2007) to learn how to do the registration for the event," Kamenski said. "We had the privilege to interact directly with every person fighting for a cure, as well as many autistic people themselves. It was great to see all the people who are trying to make a difference in the cause."
For Kamenski, who has a cousin suffering from a severe form of autism, the cause holds a special meaning.
"It has always touched me personally," Kamenski said. "It was great for me to see that people, including our team, are fighting for a cure to help people afflicted with autism. It was a great hands-on experience that made a difference to us."
"Sarah was a great addition to our team last year and has really taken on a leadership," Conlan said about the sophomore. "She participates heavily in the Hoya Blue and is an active person in our community service. She is really someone who embraces what a Georgetown student is all about and she brings the same energy with her activities on the field as off the field.
Softball Team Grows On and Off the Field
When Conlan took on the task of building a Division I caliber softball team in 2006, constructing a winner was not her only focus.
"I'm in a position here to not only play against top competition, but to provide a positive cultural experience," Conlan said.
Part of the task has been completed by scheduling games in diverse locations across the country, giving the team an opportunity to visit sights previously unseen. The other part has been an on-going task to bring the team closer together through a host of charitable causes.
In Conlan's two years, her team has taken part in the Relay For Life, the National AIDS Walk, and assisted with the John Thompson III Foundation, which serves at-risk children and families.
"I believe it's important for the team to give back to the community that has given so much to them," Conlan said. "Part of learning how to be a good leader and team player on the field is what activities you are involved in off the field."
