Alyssa Poston, sophomore healthcare administration major, was recently named to the 2024 Tucci/NFCA DII Pitcher of the Year watch list.
On top of being added to the watch list, Poston has also been named Conference Carolinas women’s softball pitcher of the week multiple times throughout the season. The women’s softball team has begun their quest to defend their title after winning the conference tournament last year.
Poston believes that her success on the field is a combination of all the work she has put in over the past 10 years, as well as prioritizing her health.
“I would say my practice and preparation over the last 10 years is what helps me the most,” Poston said. “I’ve spent many days practicing my spin and spots. The second thing is staying healthy. Xgen Cryo and our trainers have helped me stay healthy and that’s been extremely important.”
The Francis Marion women’s softball team is currently ranked first in the Conference Carolinas East division. Poston believes that the most valuable part of their success on the field is that they play as a team.
“The number one thing is that we play as a team,” Poston said. “We play for each other and we have each other’s back. Overall, our defense and pitching have done really well. We lead the conference in ERA and are top five in fielding percentage.”
Poston has been focusing on both her personal and team goals for this season.
“My personal goal for the season was to have under a 2.00 ERA and help my team in any way I can,” Poston said. “No matter if that’s pitching, hitting or cheering on my teammates. My mental goal is to always just play my game. Team goals I would like for us to win the conference and then regionals. I would sacrifice all my individual goals to accomplish those two team goals.”
Poston started playing sports at a young age, first starting with t-ball at four, and then softball at five.
“I was half the size of everyone else on my first softball team,” Poston said. “My mom and dad had visions of me playing softball as soon as I was born. My mom played in high school softball and my dad played competitive slow-pitch softball for years.”
Despite Poston’s love for the sport of softball, she finds role models from different sports, such as Iowa women’s basketball player Caitlin Clark.
“One of my role models would be Caitlyn Clark,” Poston said. “She has superior confidence in her ability. She always believes she will make the next shot. If I give up a home run or even a walk, I believe I will get the next batter out.”
Poston advises future student athletes to stay organized and prioritize good time management skills, but most especially always stay positive.
“Learn to be organized and be great at time management,” Poston said. “Being a college athlete is hard. You have a lot going on from early in the morning to late at night. Last but most importantly stay positive.”
Poston’s favorite place on campus is the school Starbucks.
“My favorite place on campus would have to be the Starbucks because I have class right after weights and can easily stop by and get a coffee,” Poston said.