Becky Lewis decided to be a walk-on for the Indiana (Pa.) University softball team.

The freshman second baseman ended up walking off with the PSAC-West Rookie of the Year honors.

"I didn't even think I'd make the team," said Lewis, a Seneca Valley graduate.

As it turned out, Lewis batted .315 for the year while playing in 40 of 41 games, including 38 starts.

She scored 24 runs, second on the team, and had three doubles and seven RBI. Her 15 stolen bases in 16 attempts were just two shy of the school record.

Lewis' coach, Sue Snyder, didn't have any expectations for Lewis when she decided to try out for the team.

"Honestly, I had none at all," said Snyder. "It was one of those things where she came in and did well in tryouts.

"From the first day of practice, Becky worked harder and harder. She's probably the most versatile player I've come across in a long time," Snyder added.

In the fall, Snyder took notice in the fall season, a mini-tournament at Kent State.

When the season started, however, Lewis was in the outfield, not even shortstop where she starred at Seneca Valley.

But that would change when the Indians were in an early-season tournament in North Carolina.

"It's amazing," said Snyder. "The whole fall, the whole off-season, she worked in the outfield.

"This year we replaced our whole infield with freshmen and sophomores. I was looking for someone to lead."

Snyder's defense in the infield was struggling, so she decided to put Lewis at second base.

"We started out hitting .202 after five games," said Snyder. "I pulled her aside and asked her 'Would you panic if I moved you to second base?'

"She said, 'Oh, I'll play but don't call anything tricky. I don't know those things.' When I moved her, it raised the level of everyone else," Snyder added.

The Indians would finish the season at 25-16 overall, 12-8 in the PSAC with a predominately young team.

Hitting-wise, Lewis was caught off-guard about her success in her first collegiate season.

"Hitting has always been my favorite part," said Lewis. "I didn't expect to do that well."

And Lewis will keep looking for ways to improve.

"Batting, bunting, just getting hits when we need it, under pressure," said Lewis. "I could always work on something," she added.

"Becky will continually get stronger," said Snyder. "Her physical strength is something we can work on.

"Becky's the type of person who learns something the first time. They're told the first time and they'll do it forever."

Now, Snyder's perception has changed from the walk-on she first met last fall.

"It's a different level, high school to college," said Snyder. "As a player, it never fazed her. If it did, she didn't show it.

"She plays hard. Anything but a hit is an unacceptable thing to her. Her expectations are higher than mine."