Knoch's Sheppeck a hit at GCC
GROVE CITY — Amanda Sheppeck didn't plan on becoming a college softball slugger.
It just turned out that way.
When Sheppeck graduated from Knoch, she decided to attend Grove City College and focus on academics.
But her desire to play softball was too strong to ignore.
She tried out for the team and earned a spot on the roster. Her bat and tenacity kept her on the field.
“In high school I did fairly well,” said Sheppeck, who was named to the WPIAL All-Section team as a senior. “I thought college probably would be a lot harder. I'd face better competition. All that made me focus more.”
That additional focus led to a breakout freshman season. Sheppeck, who played the corner infield positions and pitched, batted .318 and led the Wolverines in home runs (two), RBI (18) and slugging percentage (.445).
This season, her bat has been even more potent.
During an eight-game trip to Clermont, Fla., Sheppeck hit .360 with three doubles, a home run, four RBI and had a .600 slugging percentage.
Her hot streak at the plate earned her a Presidents' Athletic Conference Softball Hitter of the Week award.
It also brought her a sense of disbelief.
“I am very shocked about how I have started out,” Sheppeck said. “I was shocked when I found out I won the (PAC award). I am surrounded by so many great athletes on my team and there are so many great players in the conference. To be recognized like that is a real honor.”
Sheppeck just hopes she can keep it up.
Grove City College softball coach Chelle Fuss has little doubt she can.
Part of the reason why Fuss expects the hit parade to continue is the approach Sheppeck and the rest of the team are taking when they step into the box.
“We're a pretty strong hitting team,” Fuss said. “I think that comes from the mental aspect of the game. We let the past hits, the past outs, the past at-bats go when they are over.
“We even go further and approach it one pitch at time. Amanda has really embraced that,” the coach added.
Sheppeck and Fuss also hope that approach leads to better a better record. The Wolverines finished a disappointing 14-23 last season.
Grove City began the 2011 season with four straight victories before dropping four straight decisions to end its Florida trip.
“We definitely have a very strong team and we have some excellent leaders,” Fuss said. “Everyone loves to look at wins and losses, but that's not how we define success. It seems like we are improving every day.”
