Warren junior outfielder Annalise Stich is a different player this season.
First she hit the weight room. Now she’s hitting the ball over the fence.
Stich has four home runs through nine games.
“What’s really changed drastically is her strength,” Warren junior pitcher Camryn Guldberg.
That has been a point of emphasis throughout the program, according to Warren coach Jenna Charbonneau.
“A big part of our program is getting kids into the weight room,” Charbonneau said. “It helped Annalise become more confident because she got stronger and tougher mentally.
“If she gets a barrel on it, it will go farther than if she didn’t lift. It’s been a big difference-maker for us this year from last year. She’s a lot stronger, and the ball really jumps off her bat and comes off differently.”
Stich, who hit three home runs all of last season, was batting .481 average with a .963 slugging percentage, nine RBIs and four runs scored from the third spot in the order before the Blue Devils (6-3, 2-0) played defending North Suburban Conference champion Mundelein on Wednesday.
Stich hit .329 with 17 RBIs and 24 runs scored last season, when she made her varsity debut and started in the outfield.
“With my added strength, I feel like I have become a stronger player overall,” she said. “I also see an improvement in my hitting. I’ve been able to gain an extra couple of feet, allowing my hits to go over the fence, as well as have a faster exit velocity and swing speed, adding to my success at the plate.”
Stich said strength is not the only factor in that success.
“I’ve gotten better working on my inside contact,” she said. “I used to struggle hitting the ball inside. … I’ve been working and putting in extra time and getting my eyes to the ball, making sure I make good contact.”
Guldberg, who has watched Stich evolve as a player since 10-and-under softball, said Stich’s approach to the game is important too.
“Annalise has a competitive mindset in the weight rom and on the field,” Guldberg said. “She keeps her mindset positive when people are down after a bad play.”
Warren senior catcher Katie Monroe agreed that Stich’s attitude helps the Blue Devils.
“Annalise is such a good softball player because she’s a great teammate,” Monroe said. “She’s unselfish and is always willing to lift up players around her with her positive attitude.”
Stich, who said she has a 4.23 GPA, also plays volleyball at Warren. A middle hitter, Stich has played on the lower levels in her first three high school seasons.
“I like volleyball and all team sports and have learned to trust my teammates and trust myself,” she said. “But I love softball. I love competing and fell in love with the outfield. I used to play first base. I love diving for the ball and going all out and having freedom in the outfield.”
Already in her second varsity season in softball, Stich said her debut last year was eye-opening.
“I was shocked a little bit that I was starting,” she said. “I realized even though I was young, I could compete with the older girls and learned to believe in myself and trust my abilities.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
