Junior pitcher Christina Stankus is often heard before she is seen for Bartlett.
She’s not shy about making her presence known around the softball field.
“I’m pretty much a big extrovert,” Stankus said. “I like everyone knowing that I’m here. I’m very loud, and I love being a leader on the field, especially when I’m in the circle.
“I just feel the extra level of excitement.”
Stankus showed off all sides of her game — and her personality — Wednesday afternoon for the Hawks during a 14-4 victory in five innings over host Waubonsie Valley in Aurora.
Junior shortstop Emma Engels and senior infielder Ellie Klein each had two RBIs as Bartlett (1-0) erupted for a nine-hit, nine-run fourth inning. Senior infielder Lauren Liquori added two doubles.
Senior infielder Hannah Laub had two hits and two RBIs for Waubonsie Valley (0-2).
Stankus struck out four, walked one, scattered six hits and allowed two earned runs. As the cleanup hitter, she smacked an RBI double, scored a run and also had a stolen base.
From the start, she set aside any worries about season-opening jitters. She was locked in and ready to play.
“I was very excited because I’ve missed playing softball the past few months this offseason,” Stankus said. “Now that I’m an upperclassman, my role has changed. I love being a leader.”
Indeed, she also flustered the Warriors with her command and versatility.
“My pitching style has definitely changed throughout the years,” she said. “I have really started to use my change-up to my advantage.
“I’m more of a spin pitcher than a power pitcher. I have also gained a lot of speed in the past year, so I know my velocity is helping.”
Pitching, meanwhile, is the family calling card. Her older brother Robby, a Loras recruit, pitches for Bartlett’s baseball team. Her mother, Angie, is an assistant coach for the Hawks’ softball team.
Christina, who also plays forward in basketball, has been playing softball since age 4.
“I’m a very competitive person — I love playing and competition,” she said. “I also love that it’s a team sport. I love working with the people around me.
“These girls are like my sisters. I spend all of my time with them.”
Twin sisters Grace and Julia Wilkens are two of her closest friends. The senior outfielders have watched Stankus flourish while coming of age.
“Christina has developed tremendously as a player over the past six years I’ve played with her,” Julia Wilkens said. “She brings power from the left side of the plate and has speed down the line.”
Grace Wilkens lauded Stankus’ versatility and ability to impact things in front or behind the plate.
“She is just always somebody we can count on,” Grace said. “Her enthusiasm on and off the field brings a lot of energy that the team needs.”
Stankus became a full-time starter as a sophomore. She learned how to confront the pressure and demands of the position.
“Going into last year, knowing I had the starting position, that was definitely an adjustment,” she said. “I had to get used to going the full time and throwing multiple games in a week.
“Now, I have really started to get used to it. I really enjoy the work.”
Stankus also is a workout warrior. She’s as methodical and dedicated on working out at the gym as she is to the subtleties of pitching.
Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith applauded her tenacity and approach.
“Christina has that great combination of talent and work ethic,” he said. “She is constantly working on her physical fitness.
“I’ve been lucky to coach other Division I level girls who put so much time into getting better.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
