Wauconda senior Alyssa Vodicka doesn’t shy away from different experiences.
“I’m always open to trying new things,” she said.
So when Vodicka was asked to move from right field to shortstop and become a leader for the Bulldogs this season, she didn’t hesitate.
“I was excited to make my way into the infield for my last season, but with any change, I was understandably a little nervous,” she said. “With two games under our belt, I’m feeling good and really excited to keep going with this opportunity.”
Wauconda coach Tim Orisek noted Vodicka is an excellent outfielder.
“Alyssa is super athletic and gets great reads and has a cannon for an arm,” Orisek said.
But the Bulldogs (2-0), who finished second behind Antioch in the Northern Lake County Conference in each of the past two years and lost to the Sequoits in three straight Class 3A sectional championship games, need Vodicka in the middle infield this season.
“She’s done a nice job at shortstop and been a leader for us in the infield,” Orisek said. “She’s been helping out the younger kids and bringing them along. She’s very comfortable in that position.”
Vodicka has also succeeded Lia Taglia in Wauconda’s leadoff spot. Taglia, who plays for Lake Forest College, hit .389 with 49 runs scored and was an all-area honorable mention last season.
“I definitely felt the pressure to execute and get us going,” Vodicka said. “But I know we have many strong hitters behind me to pick me up if I don’t pull through. I’ve just tried to keep a confident approach, try to be aggressive and start our order with any small bit of momentum.
“This spot is helping me focus in on the game and pay attention to the pitcher’s strengths and weaknesses because I don’t have anyone telling me what she’s been throwing before I step up to the plate for the first time.”
Vodicka started this season with three hits, including a double, in seven at-bats.
“She’s setting the tone and really swinging the ball well and hitting it hard,” Orisek said.
Orisek isn’t surprised, however. Vodicka is a proven hitter who batted .391 with seven home runs and 42 RBIs last season.
“She’s been a contributor in softball from the get-go of her freshman year,” Orisek said “She really broke out last year.”
Vodicka contributes to a lot of things. She has been an assistant for the Northern Ice youth softball program for the past few years, performs in the Wauconda marching band’s drumline, plays Unified basketball and was a captain for the girls cross country team last season. She is also involved with the Future Business Leaders of America, participates in the Varsity Club and is a member of the National Honor Society.
“She’s definitely a great ambassador for the program and the school,” Orisek said.
Wauconda senior outfielder Bella Antonucci, a Lake Forest College commit, said Vodicka has a selfless attitude that makes her a good leader.
“Alyssa is not only a great teammate on the field, but she is off the field as well,” Antonucci said. “She’s a friend and wants the best for her teammates. She will help anyone with anything.
“Alyssa is always trying to make everyone better with every bit of knowledge she has. Her personality and attitude just ties everything together to run the team.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
