She’s young, restless
and has Spirit

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Six years ago, Melissa Robinson picked up a softball glove.
And now she’s traveling throughout the country with it.
Robinson is one of the newest additions to the St. Hubert High School softball team. Although this is the freshman’s first year, the 14-year-old Robinson is no stranger to the competitiveness of the sport.
"I started playing when I was about eight," she said. "And I instantly loved it."
The Bambies third baseman has made quite a name for herself this season. She earned a starting position on the varsity squad and is one of the more dependable hitters for the team.
"Melissa has an excellent command of the bat," said coach Dave Schafer. "She is a very intense player. She has a lot of talent, and I think we’re going to see some really good things from her over the next three years."
Robinson went three-for-four during St. Hubert’s 6-4 victory over Kennedy Kendrick on April 26.
"I like batting second in the lineup, said Robinson. "It gives me a chance to start the game off, hopefully with a hit."
Being the youngest on the team and the only freshman in the infield could sound intimidating for most, but Robinson does it with ease.
"It’s not too tough being the youngest," she said. "I get nervous a lot, but the team is really great and they help me out a lot."
This season, the Bambies are led by team captains Megan Layburn and Mary Hoch, who are seniors. With seven seniors, six pitchers and plenty of determination, the Bambies are looking like one of the stronger contenders in the Catholic League this season.
"The team is really starting to jell now," said Schafer. "I am very pleased with the way the girls are playing, and I think we should be successful this season."
St. Hubert currently holds a 7-4 record after a 6-4 victory over Kennedy Kendrick on April 26.
"I think we have a great team," said Robinson. "It would be great to go all the way this year."
When the Rhawnhurst resident isn’t playing for the Bambies, she can be found traveling the nation with the 16-and-under Philadelphia Spirit, a tournament fast-pitch softball team.
"I love playing with the Spirit," she said. "It’s a great team and I hope to stick with them for a while."
The Spirit squad has a busy summer ahead, filled with various tournaments, including a trip to Davie, Fla., in July.
"I’ve been to Disney World before, but I never played softball in Florida," she said. "I can’t wait to get down there and play."
Robinson has been with the Spirit since she was 8. In that time, she has competed in the National Softball Association World Series twice and the Amateur Softball Association of Pennsylvania state championship twice. The team was also named PONY (Protect Our Nation’s Youth) Pennsylvania state champion in 2003.
"I have a lot of fun with the team," said Robinson, who plays third and pitches for the Spirit. "I really like all the girls on both teams — Spirit and Hubert’s."
And while the athlete excels in several sports, her true passion lies with only one.
"I’ve always played a lot of sports, but softball is definitely my favorite," Robinson said. "I plan to keep playing as long as I can." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com