Taking a swing
at the medical field

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Bethanne Bossert can do it all.
She can spend five hours of her day in a college classroom, 10 hours a day studying, and still have time to dazzle fans on the softball diamond.
The St. Hubert alumna made the transition to college life this year, entering the University of Sciences as a pharmacy major.
Bossert is in her second semester of the six-year program. She is taking 18 credits and holds a 3.4 grade-point average.
"I always knew that I wanted to do something medical, but I wasn’t sure exactly what," said Bossert. "I was really interested in pharmacy, and I liked what the University of Sciences had to offer."
After living in Mayfair her entire life, Bossert made the move to college in the city last fall. But it wasn’t an easy transition.
"My first semester, I didn’t do as well in my classes," she said. "It was a really big change and I had a tough time adjusting. But this semester I’m doing much better.
"In high school, I had a lot more free time," she said. "I wasn’t used to such difficult classes and having to study all the time. You have to be on top of your schedule, otherwise it’s easy to fall behind."
It takes a lot of time and dedication to earn a degree in pharmacy. After five years in the program at the University of Sciences, Bossert will spend her final year in a hospital rotation.
Yet despite her busy schedule, Bossert has found time to join the University of Sciences softball team. She is one of the youngest players on the Devils, and also one of the best.
"I’ve been playing softball my entire life," said Bossert, who played for four years at St. Hubert. "Playing for the Bambies was such a great experience. The teammates were always so close and the coaches were great. Everyone was focused, but we still had a fun time. I think that experience helped me stay on my toes at college."
The leftfielder has one of the best batting averages on the Devils, as well one of the highest slugging and on-base percentages, RBIs and runs scored.
"It surprises me. I had no idea I’d be doing so well this season," said Bossert. "Some of these girls are playing a great game, and I’m happy to be up there with the other players on the team."
The Devils faced Caldwell College during a Central Athletic Collegiate Conference doubleheader on Saturday. They were victorious in the first game, defeating the Cougars 6-5. However, the Devils dropped the second game, 5-0.
"We’re young in a lot of spots, but also have eight returning seniors," said coach Richard Casey. "It’s a good mix and we’re having a great season so far."
The Devils spent their preseason in sunny Florida for spring training. Although they came back with a 3-5 record, the trip was considered a success.
"It was a good start to the season," said Bossert. "It brought the team together, because we had a lot of time to bond. I love my team now but I miss high school ball, and I really miss the girls. This is still great, though, because it’s an entirely new experience."
Most of the athletes on the Devils are pharmacy majors, which brings them together as a team and also allows a support system for dealing with the pressures of college.
"Playing softball helps a lot with the intensity of school, because you can take out all your frustration and let everything go," said Bosset. "It’s a great outlet.
"Plus, the players and coaches are really great," she continued. "If we have a test, our coaches will make sure that we have plenty of time to study."
The team seems to have a good hold on its responsibilities this semester — academically and athletically.
All pharmacy majors are required to have at least a 2.7 grade-point average to participate with the Devils.
"All of the schoolwork is a little bit rough at first," she said. "But I really like the freedom of living at college. It’s an entirely new experience, and I’m so happy to be here."
"My parents have been really great with the whole thing," said Bossert. "They’ve supported me a lot in the past couple of months as I made the transition. They kept pushing me and driving me to do my best."
The Bossert family will be reunited with their daughter soon enough when Bethanne starts her summer internship at Nazareth Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia.
"I’m really excited because I think it’s a lot more hands-on at a hospital. I have orientation in May, so I don’t know exactly what I’m getting into," she said, laughing. "I’m a little nervous, but mostly excited. I want to make sure this is what I want to do with the rest of my life." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com