Karina Twining of Easton, Md., has signed on to play for the Lightning softball team.
1/5/2011 10:07:19 AM
EASTON, Md. – Karina Twining, a prospect out of Easton High School, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at Goldey-Beacom College in the Spring of 2012, it was announced today by head coach Jerry Grasso.
“Karina will provide added depth at the catcher position,” Grasso said. “She is quick out of the box from the left side, and she has tremendous instincts on the base paths. Her positive attitude and strong game sense will be a nice addition to the current squad.”
Twining boasts five years of playing experience through her local Little League, All-Star, club and high school softball teams.
She first started playing in the Easton Little League and its all-star teams from 2005-06 before moving on to play for the 12-and-under Dragons Sports Club team in the Fall of 2006. In 2006-07, she began playing for the 14-and-under Eastern Shore Thunder while also competing for the Easton Junior League and its All-Star team.
Switching over to the Midshore Express club team, she also began to play high school softball at Easton at the junior varsity and varsity levels in 2007-08. Then in 2008-09, she began playing for the 18-and-under Delaware Storm, a team in which she still competes for presently.
During the 2008-09 season, Twining led the Storm to a Delaware ASA State Championship and an appearance in the USA/ASA National Tournament in Las Vegas, Nev. She also became a full-fledged varsity player at Easton that year.
In 2009-10, Twining continued playing varsity softball at Easton and for the Storm, and also played her third year of softball for the Dragons Sports Club of the USSSA. She led the Dragons to the Eastern “C” World Series Championship, and she was awarded the tournament's most valuable player award.
Twining, who bats left and throws right, plays a variety of positions including catcher, outfield and second base. She has attended several camps and clinics throughout her youth career, including the following: Michelle Smith Gold Camp, Sports at the Beach (Georgetown, Del., 2006), Margie Knight Clinic (Denton, Md., 2007), Delaware Storm Clinic (2008), and the NFCA Recruitment Camp – Delaware Invitational (2009 and 2010).
Delaware Storm head coach Jerry Kirby explained that he asks his team to abide by the acronym HRLT – which stands for heart, respect, loyalty and trust. According to Kirby, Twining represents all four of these as a player and a person.
“Karina and her family don't just show up on game day, they are part of the life's blood of our program,” Kirby said. “She participates in all team functions, fundraisers, etc.,” Kirby said. “Also, this young lady shows guidance and helps coach our younger players on the 10-and-under and 12-and-under teams.”
Kirby also pointed out that Twining worked herself into a starting role with the Storm and continues to get better.
“On the field she has worked extremely hard,” Kirby said. “Since coming in her first year as a support player off the bench, she has diligently worked herself as a player that never comes off the field. Sometimes she catches four games back-to-back. She is the true meaning of the “Energizer Bunny. A very quick study…she picked up hitting and slapping from the left side in less than four months and has continually progressed.”
Twining also boasts numerous academic achievements including: Honor Roll (2006-07, 2007-08, 2010-11), Scholar Athlete Award (2007-08), and Principal's Honor Roll (2008-09).
“Our team practices in Georgetown, Del. three times a week, and Karina and her family live in Easton, Md., well over an hour and 20 minutes away,” Kirby explained. “Karina and her Dad rarely miss a practice; in fact, they are usually the first ones there. She does this, and still manages a very respectable grade-point average.”
Amy Nepi has signed NLI to the University of New Haven.
When Amy came to the Storm she was a 3rd baseman by trade. She was asked to try playing shortstop and being the athlete she is...she made it look easy!
Amy is the daughter of Carol and Coach John Nepi.
Nice Job Lil Nep!
Wednesday, October 31
ADVERSITY? HOW DO YOU HANDLE IT?
Are You a Carrot, An Egg, or a Coffee Bean?
Anonymous
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?"
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked. "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity—boiling water—but each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.
The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.
If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another lever?
How do you handle Adversity? Are you a Carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?
The 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization was formed to facilitate the athletic evaluation of college-bound female student athletes. The organization runs an NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) recruiting camp in conjunction with a girls 18 & Under ASA Fastpitch Tournament. Check out our website periodically for updates.
This year's tournament is dedicated to McKenzie Travis who worked so hard to make it a success.
2008 will mark the 5th consecutive year that the Delaware Storm will participate in the this College showcase. The Storm parents and players also work the NFCA camp. Mr Travis the tournament coordinator will have break-away fences at all locations this yr.
MCKENZIE TRAVIS
Team
I regret to inform you the daughter of my friend and coaching partner John
Travis was killed last night in a car accident. I received the news this morning
at 1:45 am.
Please parents hug your children a little longer today and tell them you love
them. Because tomorrow is never guaranteed today.
**Players of the Delaware Storm
I love you guys very much and want nothing but the best for you. I know we
don't always see eye to eye. But I love you unconditionally.
Sincerely
Jerry Kirby
MCKENZIE TRAVIS
McKenzie Travis
Age 19, McKenzie, of Newark, DE, passed away January 22, 2006.
Born December 11, 1986, McKenzie graduated from Newark High School in 2004 and was currently studying accounting at Wilmington College and working with her father at Just Taxes. Known for her "spunk", McKenzie could light up a room and bring levity to any situation. She cherished spending time with family and friends, and will be deeply missed by all those that loved her. McKenzie volunteered a significant amount of her time to Delaware Invitational Tournaments, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating the college recruitment process for female softball players, and had recently developed a new website for the organization.
She leaves to cherish her memory her parents, John and Jody; sisters, Jessica and Dana; maternal grandmother, Margaret C. Patton; paternal grandparents, Dean and Jane Travis; aunts and uncles, Carol and Jay Karp, of Newark, Robert and Judy Patton, of Dover, Linda Patton, of Wilmington, Jane and Gene Finneseth, of Minot, ND, Joanne and Vince Fabiano, of Princeton, NJ; and cousins, Daria and Michael Karp, Heather Patton-Graham, Brad Patton, Lemaine Peo, and Elena Fabiano; her boyfriend, Rob Jump; and many special friends.
Family and friends are invited to call at the DOHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 3200 Limestone Rd., Pike Creek, on Wednesday, January 25th, from 6-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, January 26th, at 10:30 am, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 2503 Centerville Rd., Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in McKenzie's memory to the St. Catherine of Siena Athletic Association, or to the McKenzie Travis Memorial College Softball Scholarship Fund, PO Box 898, New Castle, DE 19720.
To send condolences, visit
www.dohertyfh.com
302-999-8277
billy joel
PHOTO PRESENTATION FROM 2005
Click on the title and the link will take you to a photo presentation created by Lisa Hearin
Inspirational Message
"I'm a high school player. I'm a team player. I play with my friends and with some of my enemies, but I respect everyone when it comes to my sport. I know I'm not going to get a multi-million dollar contract to play professionally. I know I may not even get my name in the paper. I play for love of the game. For the pride and honor, for the blood, sweat and tears it takes to make the team, to earn the spot, to win the game. I play because I can, I play because I know that my life would be empty without the sport I play. I would have a lack of everything my sport gives me... integrity, courage, talent, fearlessness, pride, strength, stamina, will, and the heart of a champion. If I didn't play, I would lose a part of me. I'm an athlete. I'm a girl. I'm a champion, not because my team always wins, but because when we don't, we learn from our mistakes. We try to fix them, and most of all because we have fun. I have built lifelong friendships and memories because of my being an athlete. I leave everything on the field or court and continue to push myself. I am never happy with second place, but I have learned to accept it. I have learned to get over and through my anger and be the athlete and player I have always dreamed of being. I don't play for my parents, for my family, for my friends; I don't play for my coach or my teachers or my school. I play for myself but when I'm playing I represent them. It isn't about winning or losing, but I hate to lose. I won't settle for a tie, and I am not satisfied with 100%. To play, you have to sacrifice everything, your body, your time, your sweat, blood, and tears, everything... for your team. I am a player, and athlete and a champion, not because I know what it is like to win, but because I know what it is like to lose. I know what it is like to feel the anger and pain that comes along with "second best." I have been that girl with tears in her eyes, walking out to recieve the second place trophy and clapping as the other team, my opponents, receive the first place one. I know what it is like to lose, to win, to want to quit, to want to cry, to not want to get up. I know what it is like to hear the cheers and yells for you. I know what it is like to feel the pressure of everyone on your shoulders, and I know what it is like to choke under that pressure. I know what it means to be an athlete, a true player, and that is why I play. I AM AN ATHLETE, A CHAMPION, A TRUE PLAYER."
---"An Athlete's Pride"
Every year a college team wins the NCAA title. Every year an ASA team wins Nationals. Eveiy year the best high school team in each Division wins the state crown. All of these teams have one thing in common, and contrary to popular belief, gifted, talented athletes is not the answer. No matter how tough it became through their season, they did one thing...they held the rope.
What is holding the rope? Imagine you are hanging off the side of a cliff with a drop of 20,000 feet. The only thing between you and a fall to death is a rope, with the person of your choice at the other end. Who do you know that has the guts to pull you to safety? Who will hold the rope?
If you can name two people, that's not good enough because those two people might not be around. The next time your team is together, look around and ask yourself, who could I trust to hold the rope? Then look at yourself and ask the same questionwho would I hold the rope for? When you can look at every member on your team and say to yourself that they all would hold the rope, including yourself, you are destined to win a lot of ball games.
You don't have to be the best team on the field to win the game. I know, I have had two teams that were not the most talented but believed in the rope. Those were two Women's College World Series teams.
No matter what sport you play, in order to win, you have a commitment to your team. If you are supposed to run sprints at the end of practice, do it well. If you have to practice, do it, don't just go through the motions because you are then wasting everyone's time. Once you start letting up at practice or start missing your workouts, you've killed the team because you didn't hold the rope. When you need to take your own time to eat right, sleep well and/or rehab, do it so you can hold the rope when your team needs you. Remember this is a team sport, everyone must be holding the fibers.
Yvette Gironard
University of Southwest Louisiana
Fast-Pitch Coach
The Delaware Storm 18u wants to express our sincere thanks to all who have sponsored and participated in our fundraisers. Your generous donations make this all possible.
Saturday, January 20
LIFE'S PONDERABLES
How many times have you heard the below statement?
But-I Don't Feel Like It
Very often in life we are required to act, to behave, to follow through, even when we, dont feel like it. There are obligations and expectations to and from others, of us, to perform in some agreed upon fashion. Some of us will do what is necessary, while others will not. So, what is the difference between these two groups?
The difference usually boils down to some form of commitment, conviction, or dedication; it may even be a combination of these factors. These are the real drivers in life, the forces that propel and push us forward even when, or especially when, we dont feel like it. They are the antidotes that keep us engaged in our relationships with others, and with ourselves. This is the way in which we transfer trust and confidence of ourselves to others.
Commitment is a promise or assurance, a determination to follow through in spite of whatever doubts we may experience about an unseen future. Youre either in, or youre outthere is no in-between. It is the personal belief that this undertaking is so worthwhile that you vow, no matter what, to press on. Youll accept no excusesthere is no out available to you.
Marriage is an example of an emotional commitment, a decision to a union with a partner that is somewhat supreme and special from all other relationships. An intimacy is born out of this emotional commitment and it ignites a passion between the two participants that is truly unique to them.
Commitment can also lead to a resolve, such as that to an original mind and heart, or to change the world. Commitment is a personal decision, a personal evaluation to a purpose that fits with your life needs. A decision creates a destiny, a destiny born out of commitment.
Conviction is a personal commitment to your own beliefs and values. Conviction is made with the heartnot the brain. A conviction means that you are convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt, you cannot be dissuaded, and you cannot be broken from your persuasion on a subject. It may often manifest itself as stubbornness.
Dedication represents a devotion to a purpose. One makes a resolution to something that is unconditional. The priesthood is an example of the dedication to a set of beliefs and a lifestyle. People will also often dedicate themselves to a cause, like Greenpeace. Dedication lies in the promise of your time and effort to something outside yourself that you feel is important and significant.
As Im sure you can see by now, these are forces that serve to move our lives forward in spite of our feelings or misgivings and that facilitate the creation of a life that you have promised to yourself and others. These are the stepping stones to a purposeful and meaningful life.
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