Ryan senior is just
pitcher perfect

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Sara Michalowski ended the regular season the same way she started it — with a win.
In fact, the Archbishop Ryan senior has led the softball team to more than 12 victories this season, helping it clinch second place in the Philadelphia Catholic League Northern Division.
Unfortunately, the Ragdolls’ season ended on Monday with a 3-0 loss to St. Hubert. They did, however, finish with an overall 17-3 record — something that Michalowski is very proud of.
“This season has been a dream come true,” she said. “I’ve waited four years for this. This is definitely my favorite year.”
Much of the Ragdolls’ success can be attributed to the all-star pitcher, who had 16 of the Ragdolls’ 17 wins on the mound. Her seven pitches had opposing teams guessing at the plate, while her 63-mph fastball left them in the dust.
“I have a fastball, change-up, drop, drop curve, screwball, rise and off-speed pitch,” said Michalowski. “But I really like throwing the drop and screwball best.”
Her versatile and accurate tosses put Michalowski in the spotlight this season, earning her a reputation as one of the top pitchers in the league.
“A few people have come up to me and told me that their daughters were inspired by me, and it feels great,” she said. “I was always the one looking up to people. And now that I’m older, other athletes are looking up to me. It really feels good. It motivates me to be the best person and player that I can be.”
Her skill on the mound is just part of the story. Michalowski is an equally potent force at the plate: She batted third in the lineup and showed plenty of power this season, slugging six doubles and five triples.
It certainly was Michalowski’s season to shine. And it was more than a decade in the making.
The pitcher and infielder started playing at the tender age of 6. Two years later she joined a travel team, and hasn’t taken a break from life on the diamond since.
“I just love playing softball,” said Michalowski. “It’s my favorite thing in the world.”
While many athletes would likely tire from pitching an average of three games a week, Michalowski welcomes the opportunity.
“I pitch a lot but it doesn’t really bother me,” she said. “I’ve been pitching my whole life, so I’m used to it.
“Plus I train a lot, so I’m ready for it,” she continued. “I pitch at least every other day, and I train and work out every day. I work really hard.”
That hard work has earned her a full scholarship to college. The student athlete is headed to Hofstra University in the fall to study business. Michalowski will relocate to Hempstead, N.Y., on Long Island.
“I’m excited to live away from home,” she said. “I think it’s going to be a good change, and I’m excited. My parents are really sad to see me go, but it’s not that far from Philly, so they can still come up and watch me play a lot.”
The Pride softball team at Hofstra also is enjoying an excellent season, currently holding a 41-15 record.
It looks like Michalowski will fit right in.
“I’m going up there not knowing anyone,” said Michalowski. “But when I went to visit, I just loved it. The coach made me feel really welcome, and I really liked the atmosphere.”
Before all that happens, the four-year varsity player has some loose ends to tie up at Ryan.
For one — graduation.
“I graduate June 4,” said Michalowski. “I’m so excited and I can’t wait. But at the same time, I’m sad to leave Ryan. I’m really going to miss everyone. I’m going to miss our pasta parties. They’re always a lot of fun. The team really gets along well and I’m going to miss them tremendously next year.”
For the five seniors on the softball team, this year serves as the grand finale of their athletic careers at Ryan, but it’s also a bridge to infinite possibilities next year.
“Going off to college is exciting, but it’s going to be a lot different,” said Michalowski. “But I’m trying not to worry about it. For now, I just want to enjoy my time at Ryan. It’s been an incredible four years and I can’t believe it’s almost over.” ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com