Maryland Softball Announces 2016 Team Captains
12/17/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
COLLEGE PARK, Md.- Maryland softball head coach Julie Wright has named Corey Schwartz, Juli Strange, Sarah Calta, and Kristina Dillard as team captains for the 2016 season as determined by a team vote.
“Being a captain in our program is a huge honor and responsibility,” head coach Julie Wright said. “Leadership is not taken lightly and I couldn't be more proud of the four that were chosen by their teammates. Kristina, Sarah, Corey, and Juli are the epitome of team players and possess many of the qualities needed to be a great leader.”
Each of the four captains will be the designated leader of their position on the field. Corey Schwartz will be the captain of the infield, Sarah Calta of the outfield, and Kristina Dillard of the bullpen. Juli Strange is the overall team captain.
Schwartz enters her senior season after a fantastic junior campaign. Schwartz was fifth in the Big Ten with 15 home runs. The Toms River, N.J., native started all 54 games at second base batting at a .320 clip with a .407 on base percentage.
“I believe success is created in the preparation stages,” said Schwartz. “We had a very enjoyable and positive fall season. As a team captain, I hope to encourage our very talented team to reach their potential this spring.”
Calta comes into her junior season with extreme confidence as the outfield captain after leading the team in almost every offensive category in the fall season.
“I am excited to be put in the position to help advocate for my teammates and begin to build the new era of Maryland Softball,” said Calta. “I am grateful for this opportunity and I hope to grow as a captain and more importantly as a teammate throughout the year.”
Dillard is returning home after spending the first two seasons of her collegiate career at the University of Louisville. In her position as a catcher, Dillard has been given the responsibility to lead the Terrapin bullpen in 2016.
“I hope to create strong chemistry in the bullpen,” said Dillard. “It is important for the catchers to know our pitchers and be able to work with them well. The battery is what needs to be charged, especially when it is gut check time.”
Strange has been a starter in the infield for three years at Maryland. Last year, Strange batted .264 with a .383 on base percentage. This year, Strange was chosen as the overall team captain.
"I plan to push everyone to be their very best every single day, to always keep a positive attitude and to support the team in any way possible,” said Strange. “I want nothing but success for every individual on this roster and I hope to help put this team in a position to have a great season.”
Maryland opens up its 2016 season Feb. 12-14 at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz.
