Danielle Sweeney
is protecting the plate

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

It’s pretty easy to find Danielle Sweeney on the softball field. Just follow the cheers.
"Pump, pump, pump it up! P-u-m-p, pump it up!"
"Win, win, win the game! W-i-n, win the game!"
The Archbishop Ryan High School senior has displayed big talents on the diamond this season. She’s also showcased a big voice on the sidelines.
"It’s so easy for me to get excited in a game," said Sweeney. "I’m ready to start that rally. I’m ready to go. I just get so excited!"
In addition to her spunky skills on the high school field, Sweeney has been a regular on the tournament softball circuit, having showcased her talent throughout the country for the past decade.
And building a reputation for herself along the way.
In 2003, her catching capabilities landed Sweeney an opportunity to compete, alongside her Philadelphia Spirit teammates, in a national tournament in Hawaii.
"I remember graduating eighth grade and then going to Hawaii," said Sweeney, who helped her squad place first in the tropical tournament. "I love travel ball. You get to experience different cities and teams. It’s great."
These days, Sweeney is traveling throughout the Philadelphia area with her Ryan Ragdolls squad. And while playing on Academy Road might not be as glamorous as playing on a Hawaiian island, Sweeney still gets her thrills on the diamond.
"I know a lot of the girls in the Catholic League through tournament ball," said Sweeney, who has been playing with the Pennsbury Lady Tigers travel team for three years. "It doesn’t necessarily make things more competitive. It makes them more fun, to play against friends that you’ve grown up with in the sport."
Sweeney started her high school career at St. Hubert High School and played ball for the Bambies. However, by her sophomore year, she felt it was time for a change.
"It (the transfer) wasn’t softball-based at all," said Sweeney. "It was more the school atmosphere and academic realm. I didn’t feel comfortable there. It was nothing that Hubert’s didn’t have, but I wanted to see what else was out there.
"I’m happy with my choice," she added. "And I still hang out with my Hubert friends a lot. There’s no hatred toward them or anything. It’s just a different school. It doesn’t change friendships."
Sweeney was recently reunited with her former teammates, as the Ragdolls took on St. Hubert in a Catholic League game on April 18. The Bambies were victorious, beating Ryan, 1-0.
"There are definitely mistakes that we have made," said Sweeney. "But I think as the season progresses, we’ll pull together as a team and be able to pull out the wins we need."
The loss prolonged a tough season for the Ragdolls, who were on a seven-game losing streak this week. However, despite their losing record, Sweeney insists there’s still plenty of time for a comeback.
"I see us pulling it together and getting our record back on top," said Sweeney, who, in addition to catching, can play at first and third base when needed. "I have faith in my team. Our record is what it is, but there’s no reason we can’t turn things around and change it."
The Ragdolls have six seniors this year — Sweeney, first baseman Jill Johnstone, rightfielder Kasey Barnes, third baseman Gina Donnely and leftfielders Amanda Fulton and Samantha Boyle — to deliver a solid core of experience.
"We have a lot of girls back from last year that are strong players," said John Kidwell, who stepped in as the Ragdolls’ coach this year so that Andy Hafele could take care of health problems. "We’re hoping to get some more pitching experience."
After losing softball superstar Sara Michalowski to graduation — she was a three-time team MVP during her four years at Ryan — the Ragdolls had some big cleats to fill on the pitcher’s mound.
Freshman Sarah Chilutti felt she was up for the challenge.
"She’s young," said Sweeney. "She’s not used to the intensity of the game. You just have to be patient. There’s no doubt that she has the talent to play. She just has to get used to it.
"I think, because she’s a freshman, she kind of thinks of me as, ‘Oh, the scary senior,’" Sweeney added with a laugh. "But we have a great chemistry. We work well together."
Now that she’s a senior, Sweeney hasn’t made a definite choice about college next year, though she intends to keep playing softball.
"I definitely want to play ball — that is a must," said Sweeney, an honor student at Ryan. "I want to study biology and go into pre-med for physical therapy.
"I’ve always loved science, so by putting the two together, I don’t see myself getting bored of the job too easily," she added. "I love softball. My life would be so boring without it. I really don’t know what I would do with myself." ••