Athlete of the Issue: Frankie Michelli

Fastball? Curveball? Changeups? Look no farther than Stuyvesant’s very own softball pitcher, Frankie Mitchelli. The senior captain has been on the team for four years and has led her team to a 10-3 record and a quarterfinal finish, the deepest playoff run of Michelli’s tenure on the Renegades. An integral part of the team, Michelli lets us in on a few fun facts and best moments.

Height: 5’6”
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: Blonde

DOB: 8/28/2000
Spirit animal: Golden Retriever
Choice of drink: Coffee
Favorite food: Sushi

Do you play outside school?

I used to! I played in West Side Little league until sophomore year, when they disbanded the team because not enough players showed up to each game.

When did you start playing softball?

I started in fourth grade, so I guess I was eight or nine. I had played baseball with my brother and dad before, but [being in the league was] my first time on a team. Honestly, for the first few years, my parents would have to drag me to my games because I was so nervous to play.

Why did you stick with it?

After every game I would realize how much fun I had, and eventually I was able to get over my anxiety of playing. I love being on a team and competing at the level we do, especially when we win.

How do you balance schoolwork and softball? Do you have tips for others who want to do the same?

I actually am more productive with my schoolwork during softball season! I find it’s easier to concentrate after practice or a game, and you really need to force yourself to be efficient. I’m sure everyone says this, but plan ahead and be organized.

What is your strategy for constantly improving yourself?

I think about how hard my teammates work and the time they’ve devoted to softball, and that drives me to keep getting better. And honestly, I want to win. I think about our tough competitors and how good it would feel to beat them.

What’s one of the biggest obstacles you’ve faced?

Personally, every season there are a few games where I’m in a slump—I don’t pitch as well as I can, and I sometimes lose focus. It’s hard to get out of that, and it really does shake my confidence. Luckily, my amazing co-captain and star catcher Charlotte Ruhl knows how to coax me out of it.

Proudest memory?

In my sophomore year, we won the first round of the playoffs against a Queens team that we weren’t expecting to beat! It was a good game all around—everyone played so hard, and it was great to get to move on to the second round.

One funny thing that’s happened while playing:

In the last inning of a tie game with a runner on first base, a pop-up was hit to our shortstop Lili. As she caught it, her glove ripped, and the ball went straight through. It was such an intense point in the game, and for that to happen then was just hilarious.

Which of your teammates is the funniest?

Julianna Fabrizio and her memes.

What's your favorite part about being on the team?

I love everyone on the team; they’re just great people to hang out with. We also have the best coach [Mr. Miller]—he is so supportive, knowledgeable, and a great person to be around.

A fun fact: Our one and only Eve Wening has been elected for Junior Caucus! She’s great!

Motto to live by: This is pretty cheesy but “Keep your eye on the ball.”