Libertyville senior third baseman Emily Psyhogios has gained a different perspective on the ups and downs of softball.
Psyhogios recalls that mistakes and slumps used to weigh on her too much.
“My freshman year, I was not very confident in myself, even anxious, especially around my peers,” she said.
Psyhogios credits her work over the past two summers at Sunrise Day Camp, which is primarily for children who have cancer, for helping her overcome self-doubt and begin an evolution that has continued on the softball field.
“When I took the job, I was still an introverted person,” she said. “I had never really worked with kids, but I thought it was a good opportunity to build myself more as a person and get more from a job.
“I really loved it. It really helped me get past social anxiety a lot more. It put things into perspective for me because the kids are going through so much but are still having the time of their life. There’s no reason I should be caring so much about little things. I should get out there and be myself.”
So Psyhogios, a Lake Forest College commit who hit .379 with a .518 on-base percentage, five home runs and 36 runs scored last year, isn’t worried about her slow start this season.
“When I’m having a hard time, if I’m in a slump or not doing well, I think about Sunrise Day Camp and my kids there,” she said. “It brings me back that perspective of ‘it’s OK to have a hard time.’ I just have to be stronger because if these kids can be strong, I can do it too.”
Psyhogios, one of nine returnees for the Wildcats (2-1) this season, has been a strong competitor throughout her four-year varsity career, according to coach Dar Townsend.
“She’s such a hardworking kid that you can’t kick her out of practice,” Townsend said. “She’s a tough and gritty kid and one of the best third baseman around, I think. She has great hands, a great arm, quickness and a great knowledge of the game.”
Psyhogios actually hasn’t played at third base for very long. She played several positions, including catcher, when she was younger and then was assigned to the hot corner as a freshman.
“I had never played third before, so I was very nervous,” she said. “I think I got a practice or two before my first game.”
Townsend said the coaching staff thought Psyhogios’ skills made her a good fit at third.
“She started at third base after the first month of her freshman season and was so good,” Townsend said. “She stuck there her whole career. She kept getting better and better. She was not afraid and made all the plays.”
Psyhogios said she has put in work in the weight room since her debut to get physically stronger.
“One thing I’ve improved on over the years is my strength,” she said. “I have spent a lot of time in the weight room. I took weight training during school every semester after freshman year. I’ve always worked hard in the weight room.”
Libertyville senior shortstop Zoe Kinsella said that effort inspires teammates. Psyhogios motivates them in all the right ways, according to Kinsella.
“Emily’s talent alone sets her apart, but what makes her exceptional is her humility and relentless work ethic,” Kinsella said. “She is also always the first to lift her teammates up when things don’t go her way. She creates a level of positivity and is an inspiration to everyone around her. Her character and passion stand out out as a teammate and a friend.”
Libertyville junior catcher/infielder Maddy Kleeman agreed with Kinsella that Psyhogios is a good teammate.
“Emily is always there to pick you up when you are having a tough game,” Kleeman said. “Emily is always the first person to tell you that you can do this and is your biggest cheerleader on and off the field.”
Psyhogios, who said she has a 4.3 GPA and intends to major in physics at Lake Forest College, has learned how to lift herself up too. Softball has played no small part in that process.
“I look at what I’m doing wrong on a base level and find what’s the root problem, and I’ve really applied it to the rest of my life, mentally and physically,” she said. “I look within myself. I would not have that skill without softball.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
