Richards’ Olivia Coglianese has no illusions about ever growing taller than 5-foot-4.
But the diminutive junior shortstop has every intention of swinging a bigger bat before her varsity career comes to an end.
“I go to the gym a lot,” Coglianese said during Wednesday’s practice. “I was actually at the gym before I came here today. I want to be more muscular for myself and for the team.
“I work on every body part. I want to get my arms stronger and my legs stronger for my speed and my hitting.”
There is no doubting her. Coglianese has already climbed and conquered one giant mountain.
Before the start of last season, Richards coach Julie Folliard had a big hole to fill when all-area shortstop MaryJane Goodman graduated and moved on to Grand Valley State.
Coglianese, who played outfield as a freshman, raised her hand at a preseason practice.
“I knew we didn’t have anyone, so I said, ‘Hey, coach. I’ve played second base before,’” Coglianese said. “’I can fill in for you at short if you need me to.’”
It was a process.
“She was very brave,” Folliard said. “She took it on the chin — literally. I think she had at least one bad hop bounce off of her face. But she was tough and hung in there.
“I just kept reassuring her that she had the skill and the athleticism we needed in a shortstop. She’s super bright and took in a lot of knowledge quickly, and it really helped.”
The tough moments?
“Yeah, there were times when I was like, ‘Hmm… this is going to be a little harder than I thought,’” Coglianese said, smiling. “I had some overthrows and underthrows and I’d say, ‘What are you doing? You did this the right way in practice.’
“It could be nerve-wracking at times, but I knew that the team needed me to keep working at it. So I did.”
Coglianese gradually became steady at short and batted .347. She earned all-conference honors and also won the program’s 2023 Christa Carbray Heart & Hustle Award.
Carbray, a former standout player and 1994 graduate, died in 2012 due to cancer.
“That was special,” Coglianese said. “I felt very honored to get it. I know her legacy was more special than anyone could talk about.
“I never thought I could get an award to honor someone the way it did. When I was giving the speech, I was trying not to cry. It was unreal.”
This season, Coglianese is hitting .300 with four RBIs for the Bulldogs (2-1). She is one half of a solid keystone combo along with senior second baseman Violet McIntyre.
“It was great watching her improve every day,” McIntyre said. “It was a super big change for her to go from outfield to shortstop. You could notice the growth.
“It would have been very easy for her to get frustrated, but she never complained. She handled it very well.”
Richards’ Olivia Coglianese (25) makes contact against Evergreen Park during the Class 3A Nazareth Sectional semifinals in La Grange Park on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
Now, there’s nothing but confidence.
Coglianese, McIntyre, and sophomore third baseman Mia Albon put on quite a show at a recent practice.
“We were practicing diving on the turf, and those three were diving up a storm,” Folliard said. “All of them were making some nice stops. Last season, Olivia would dive but her timing was off sometimes.
“Now, we’re going to see a little more of that timing sealed up. I think that Violet has been a really good mentor for Olivia. I believe they will be a really dynamic team up the middle.”
At Wednesday’s practice, there were many hops and high-fives between the duo.
In the end, there’s nothing but fun.
“Oh, Olivia is super happy,” McIntyre said, laughing. “It’s like playing with a little ball of sunshine at shortstop.”
Tony Baranek is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
